Dr. Mark Fisher Discusses Prostate Cancer
General David H. Petraeus, the commander of American military forces in the Middle East, received a diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer in February and has undergone radiation treatment according to recent media reports. General Petraeus, 56, is another high profile American to disclose his diagnosis of prostate cancer and undergo therapy for this disease. This year it is estimated that 192,280 men will be diagnosed with and 27,360 men will die from prostate cancer.
According to news reports the Generals cancer was detected at an early stage likely through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. Early detection of prostate cancer usually allows the patient to choose from several different curative treatment modalities. In remarks released by his office, "Surgery to remove the prostate was not an option due to plates/screws that were used to repair my pelvis after it was fractured in a parachuting accident." The General underwent two months of radiation therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and is continuing his military and professional duties.
DuPage Medical Group’s Department of Urology offers prostate cancer screening, prostate biopsy for detection, and all available treatment options for prostate cancer. There are three main options for men diagnosed with prostate cancer: surgical extirpation, radiation, or active surveillance. Our Urology Department offers both robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery and traditional open surgery. For patients who will be best treated with radiation therapy our Urology Department helps coordinate treatment by a radiation oncologist and closely monitors PSA responses to treatment. For appropriately selected patients, active surveillance with monitoring of PSA and planned repeat prostate biopsy is also offered.
September was national prostate cancer awareness month dedicated to increasing awareness of and screening for prostate cancer. DMG’s Urology Department encourages all men over the age of 40 to be screened for prostate cancer. We have four locations to serve you – Bloomingdale – Lombard – Naperville – Winfield. To schedule an appointment, please call 630-790-1221. |