Prostate Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Checking the health of your prostate can seem like an uncomfortable or even frightening responsibility. However, with today’s advanced screening and treatment options, experts want to assure you that it doesn’t have to be.

“From new prevention measures to emerging treatment technologies, patients are able to receive the most advanced treatment available,” said Dr. Steve Sukin, boardcertified urologist at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer type in men. It’s typically a slow-growing cancer that develops in the prostate gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system.

Symptoms To Watch For

Prostate cancer is often called a “silent tumor” because early stages rarely cause symptoms. But, as it progresses, common symptoms include:

■ Blood in urine or semen

■ Enlarged prostate

■ Erectile dysfunction

■ Painful ejaculation

■ Urinary problems (frequent need to urinate, painful urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder)

Importance Of Screenings

“Regular screenings are the most effective way to catch prostate cancer early, when it’s highly treatable,” Sukin stressed.

If you have a family history of prostate cancer, experts recommended you start getting screened as early as your mid-40s. Types of screenings include:

■ Digital rectal exam

■ Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

■ Prostate biopsy

“High PSA scores used to be the main driver of prostate biopsies,” Sukin explained. “But with new testing available, we have been able to significantly reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies in patients with an elevated PSA score.

Treatment

Treatment for prostate cancer isn’t a one-size fits all solution. Once the type and level of severity are established, your doctor will partner with you to understand your treatment options and the best course of action. Treatment can range from watchful waiting to robotic surgery to remove the prostate.

Sukin is the first surgeon in the Houston area to provide a minimally invasive procedure, called TULSA Pro, to patients with low to intermediate stages of prostate cancer. This revolutionary procedure offers promising results while minimizing the risk of side effects.

“We aren’t just dedicated to using the latest, most advanced robotics and technologies, but also to how we use them,” Sukin emphasized. “We are always evolving to allow our patients to have improvements in their cancer management, sexual function and urinary control.” •