Genes that Discriminate
“African-American men are discriminated against by prostate cancer, and for the first time, we know why.” This was oncologist Jonathan Simons, M.D., CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, talking to the Congressional Black Caucus at a special symposium on prostate cancer. Simons was telling the lawmakers about the trailblazing work. Read More
On the Horizon: Understanding Exactly How Prostate Cancer Targets Men of African Ancestry
When it comes to lethal prostate cancer, men of African descent are born with a genetic Achilles heel – or more likely, several points of weakness that make them vulnerable. It’s not all genetic; the deck is stacked against these men for many reasons, including the high-fat, low-vegetable Western diet,. Read More
Prostate Cancer and African Ancestry
Men of African descent are more likely to develop prostate cancer, and African American men are more than twice as likely caucasian men to die from it. Although lifestyle habits contribute to this greater likelihood, it is chiefly the result of certain genes that men of African descent possess. Learn. Read More
Treatment for Prostate Cancer: Surgery
The operation to remove the prostate, called a radical prostatectomy, is one of the most difficult surgical procedures there is. There are several reasons for this: One is simply the prostate’s hard-to-get-to location deep in the pelvis. Two, there are a lot of blood vessels and important nerves around there,. Read More
10/12/2016
On the Horizon: More Accurate Biopsy
First, for the future, we have something we’ve never had in the past: excellent imaging of the prostate. Thanks to multi-parametric MRI, doctors have an unprecedented look inside this difficult-to-access gland. It’s not as good as it needs to be yet, but it’s much better than it was – and it’s already. Read More
Biopsy: What the Diagnosis Means
The pathologist has just looked under the microscope at 12 tissue samples from your prostate. What’s in there? First, there are normal cells. Pathologists can tell that they’re normal, because they are round and uniform, with well-defined edges and clear centers. As cancer progresses, the cells become more oblong; then. Read More
Interview With An Expert: Why the Biopsy Is Not Perfect
Your prostate feels like a pincushion, and you’ve been waiting for the biopsy results. They’re finally here. Now what? That’s a good question. You might think that the diagnosis of prostate cancer would be a fairly straightforward thing – especially if you’ve been through several biopsies and watched your PSA. Read More
On the Horizon: Radiation Plus Immunotherapy
The body’s immune system has incredible power. When it turns on something it recognizes as an enemy, its effects can be brutal; just ask anyone suffering from an autoimmune disease. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could somehow harness these cell-killing abilities and use them against cancer? A great idea. Read More
10/12/2016
How to Find an Expert Radiation Oncologist
Even if hospitals offer the same treatment, by no means does this mean that this treatment is interchangeable. This information can help if radiation is right for you. Read More
Treatment for Prostate Cancer: External-Beam Radiation Therapy
If you have localized prostate cancer that needs curative treatment, you have two good options: Radiation and surgery. (You can read more about surgery here.) More than 60,000 American men opt for radiation every year, and the cure rates are excellent. It doesn’t require anesthesia, and this makes it an. Read More