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Prostate Cancer: Is a PSA Test Worth the Trouble?

Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of death among men, but when diagnosed early, can be treatable. The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital is offering a lecture on prostate specific antigen (PSA) screenings that will educate area residents on whether getting screened is worth pursuing.

 

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found only in men. It sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine through the penis.

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Dr. Daniel Golden, radiation oncologist with The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital, will present a free program titled Prostate Cancer: Is a PSA test worth the trouble? on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, Pavilion A, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. This program will discuss PSA (prostate specific antigen) screenings, over diagnosis, the cost of prostate cancer testing and treatment, and current treatment options that reduce but do not eliminate side effects.  To register, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

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“Prostate cancer is often slow-growing. And with enhanced cancer screenings, more patients are diagnosed  at an early stage,” said Daniel W. Golden, M.D., radiation oncologist at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Dr. Golden is a specialist in the use of radiation-therapy to treat cancers of the central nervous system, head and neck, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary system.

 

“Although we catch many early prostate cancers, for many men—especially those who are older—the tumor does not progress enough to cause major problems during their lifetime.  Therefore, understanding the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening is important for men of all ages.” Men should consider screening for prostate cancer at age 55, unless there is a family history of prostate cancer or they are at higher risk (e.g. African American race).  These men should discuss screening with their physician at age 40.

 

Two simple methods are often used in screening for prostate cancer—a digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor feels the prostate gland through the rectal wall, and a blood test, in which a blood sample is tested for the presence of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA).

 

Ways to Stay Protected

Although many prostate problems result from aging, here are some tips men can follow to stay healthy.

·                     A diet low in saturated fat and high in fruits and vegetables  

·                     Good hygiene

·                     Ten  grams of garlic or scallions daily (can be eaten raw or in vitamin form)

·                     Eating or drinking foods high in lycopene (an antioxidant found in tomatoes,         tomato based products) and resveratrol (an antioxidant found in red grapes &         wine)

·                     A healthy sex life/regular ejaculation (researchers say the ejaculation helps flush             out carcinogenic substances)

 

About Daniel W. Golden, M.D.

Daniel W. Golden, M.D., radiation oncology physician, is a member of the care team at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, he completed his residency in radiation oncology and a fellowship in medical education at the University of Chicago. He joined the University of Chicago faculty as an assistant professor of radiation and cellular oncology in 2013. Dr. Golden is the co-author of more than 40 publications and scientific abstracts on the clinical applications of radiation therapy, and has received honors for his research dedication to teaching medical students. He is also a Level 3 alpine ski instructor, the highest certification offered by the Professional Ski Instructors of America. His office is located with the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital at 1850 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. To schedule an appointment, call (815) 300-1400.

 

About the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital

The University of Chicago Medicine and Silver Cross Hospital’s outpatient cancer treatment center located in the Carolyn J. Czerkies Pavilion at I-355 and Route 6 (1850 Silver Cross Blvd.) in New Lenox opened its doors on June 25, 2012. The 20,000-square-foot University of Medicine Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross brings University of Chicago academic specialists and their advanced and investigational therapies into a community-hospital setting. The new facility provides state-of-the-art chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as access to hundreds of clinical trials. It also offers a TrueBeam new-generation linear accelerator system, which delivers precisely targeted radiation therapy to provide the best results. In addition, other services provided at the Comprehensive Cancer Center include cancer support services, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, infusion services, and preventative screenings. The University of Chicago Medicine maintains more active clinical trials for the treatment of cancer than any other program in Illinois. To schedule an appointment, call 1-855-UCM-1400. For more information about the new University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital, visit www.ucmcancer-sch.org.

 

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