Urologic oncology is a subspecialty of urology that was established to deal with the special needs of people with cancer of the male and female urinary systems and the male reproductive system. Urologic oncologists have special training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that affect the prostate, bladder, kidneys, penis, testicles, ureters or urethra. A urologic oncologist is particularly skilled in the surgical treatment of these cancers, as well as in the use of hormonal therapy for specific cancers, and chemotherapy instilled into the bladder.
Crozer-Keystone offers full up-to-date care, including laparoscopy and cryoablation therapy (controlled freezing of the prostate gland in order to destroy cancerous cells). Crozer’s urologic oncologists emphasize multimodal therapy, including complex surgical procedures, and careful attention is given to quality-of-life issues.
CK Prostate Health Program
Prostate cancer is cancer in the prostate, the walnut-sized gland that is located in the front of the rectum, behind the base of the penis, and under the bladder. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in six men develop prostate cancer in their lifetimes.
Crozer-Keystone Health System offers state-of-the-art care, access to clinical trials, and supportive services to men with -- or at risk of developing -- prostate cancer. Prostate cancer patients benefit from a full spectrum of prevention, treatment and follow-up programs.
Risk Factors
Older men in general are at risk for developing prostate cancer. The risk increases with age. Three-quarters of all reported cases occur in men age 65 and older. African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. Additionally, men who have a family history of prostate cancer have a higher-than-average risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can affect younger men, although this is less common. Among the treatment options available include radiation therapies, radical prostatectomy, watchful waiting, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Clinical trials and a support group are also available for prostate cancer patients.
Symptoms
Many times, early prostate cancer does not cause obvious symptoms. This is why regular screening is so important. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, the following symptoms may be indicative of prostate problems, and definitely warrant a visit to the doctor: frequent urination, especially at night; difficulty starting urination or holding back urine; inability to urinate; weak or interrupted flow of urine; painful or burning urination; painful ejaculation; blood in urine or semen; frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Screening
The American Cancer Society recommends that men age 50 and older be screened for prostate cancer yearly with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Increased levels of PSA may indicate an enlarged prostate and the possibility of prostate cancer. Sons and brothers of prostate cancer patients, as well as all African American men, should start having PSA tests at age 40. In addition to the PSA test, it is recommended that men periodically have examinations of the prostate called digital rectal examinations (DRE). A DRE is a simple, painless exam in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate for signs of cancer.
Crozer-Keystone Health System hospitals offer free prostate screenings every September. Call 1-800-CK-HEALTH in August or September to learn more or to make an appointment.
Treatment
If a possible cancer is detected, the Crozer-Keystone Cancer Centers offers the latest, most sophisticated techniques to diagnose and treat prostate cancer.
Clinical Trials
Crozer-Keystone Health System participates in clinical research trials studying risk assessment and prevention of prostate cancer.