Men's Health Monday: Prostate Cancer

June is Men's Health Awareness Month. Each Monday in June, we are featuring articles about health issues important for men. Please share these posts with the men in your life.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system located just below the bladder. The prostate is small, about the size of a walnut, producing the fluid found in semen.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancerous, or malignant, cells form in the tissues of the prostate. It is the third most common cause of cancer death, in men over 75, though it is rarely found in men younger than 50.

Prostate Cancer Risk and Prevention

While the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, men who develop prostate cancer are more likely to have certain risk factors for the disease.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, certain factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Age. Prostate cancer is rare in men under the age of 50. The risk for prostate cancer increases as men get older .
• Family history. Men who have a brother or father with prostate cancer have a higher risk for prostate cancer.
• Race. Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than white men, and it occurs at an earlier age in African American men.

This does not mean men who have one or more of these factors will develop prostate cancer, but they should speak with a physician about their risk.

Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment

Men who have conditions that put them at risk for prostate cancer may benefit from consulting with their physician to determine their risk. If they are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, they may consider getting screened for prostate cancer.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - and insights into all your options - including getting a second opinion for your prostate cancer treatment.

Our team will:

• help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take;
• ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics;
• offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place;
• answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options;
• provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option.

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about how we're changing the treatment options and lives of people with all forms of cancer, by finding the cure is within.

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Men's Health Monday: Health Screenings for Men

June is Men's Health Awareness Month. In this blog post, we'll explore the top three cancer types affecting men of all ages in the United states, as well as some of the important screenings men should be aware of to help stay one step ahead of cancer. 

Screening for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American men, and sits as the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. The American Cancer Society estimates that one in seven men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime. 

While over 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, tests like PSA screenings and digital rectal exams can dramatically increase your chance of survival.The prostate gland produces a protein known as prostate-stimulating antigen, or PSA.

As these levels are known to rise before other symptoms of prostate cancer appear, it is important to seek out a regular exam starting in the mid-twenties.

Learn more in our PSA levels and prostate cancer.

Screening and Self-Exams for Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is most common in men between 15 and 35 years of age. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2014  8,820 men will be diagnosed, with only about 380 men dying as a result.

Fortunately, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers. Men diagnosed and treated when the disease is in an early stage have a 97 to 100 percent chance of being cured. Therefore, early detection is critical - and relatively easy to do frequently, and at home.

The most common way to check is to perform a monthly testicular self-exam. Unfortunately, after noticing a change in a testicle, many men wait several months before seeking a medical evaluation. The disease is then more advanced upon diagnosis, possibly requiring more intensive treatment and potentially decreasing the chance of a cure.

Learn more about testicular cancer and how to perform a self-exam. 

Checking for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer type found in both men and women (outside of skin cancers) in the United States, but thanks to awareness around colonoscopy screenings, the death rate from this cancer has dropped in recent years. Typically it affects people over 50 years old, as well as those those with a hereditary history of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is often beatable when detected and treated in its early stages and can even be prevented altogether when polyps are removed before they develop into cancer. It’s important to know that symptoms of colorectal cancer -  can look like symptoms of other conditions.

Roughly 80 percent of colorectal cancer cases can be prevented with adequate colonoscopy screening - often saving lives. We encourage everyone to begin a dialogue about colorectal cancer screening with their physicians. While no screening test is 100 percent perfect, colonoscopy remains the best method of screening for most individuals.

Request a colonoscopy appointment at Penn Medicine today.

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What African American Men Need to Know About Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

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Prostate Cancer and Proton Therapy at Penn Medicine

When Frank McKee was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he wanted to find the best possible treatment to fight his disease. Frank did extensive research about prostate cancer treatments and learned about proton therapy for prostate cancer, the world’s most advanced form of radiation therapy.

"For me, I wanted to treat the cancer. I wanted to be done with it," Frank said. "And, I wanted to be done with it in a way that had a minimum amount of side effects and affect my life the least."

"That’s why I picked proton therapy."

In this video, Frank discusses his diagnosis, and why he chose proton therapy at Penn Medicine.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options - including getting a second opinion for your prostate cancer treatment. Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist. Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center is leading the way in breakthrough cancer treatment. If you or someone you know has been touched by cancer, the power to find the Cure is Within. Hear our stories and find out more today.

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GU Cancer News from ASCO

Christine Wilson, cancer survivor, shares her experiences from the The American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) national conference in 2013. This summer, 30,000 cancer specialists and researchers from around the world gathered to present their latest findings on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of science. At a recent continuing medical education meeting, experts from the Abramson Cancer Center summarized some of the most important research from ASCO 2013 for a packed room of over 300 local oncologists.

Most experts would characterize this year’s meeting as one in which the progress reported was important, but largely incremental. Today, the advances that we see in cancer treatment are the result of a rapidly emerging understanding of the biology and genetics of malignant cells, and the ways in which they interact with our immune systems and neighboring tissues. That new knowledge has lead to the development of targeted therapies that are changing the ways in which many cancers are treated. This same research is also revealing the incredible complexity of thousands of diseases we call cancer. A discovery in one critical area more often than not opens new, unexpected doors, and raises new questions.

Genitourinary Tumors

David Vaughn, MD

Dr. Vaughn reported progress for three different cancer types:

• Prostate cancer
• Renal cell cancer
• Testicular cancer

Prostate Cancer

Treating Bone Metastases:

When prostate cancers spread, it is often to the bone. Bone metastases cause pain and weakness and can lead to fractures. A major clinical trial, called TRAPEZE, studied several approaches to treating prostate cancers that have spread to the bone and are not responsive to hormonal therapies, and who are receiving chemotherapy with docetaxel. The trial found that

• A radioactive substance known as Strontium-89 improves bone related progression free survival--the time until the cancer begins to grow again.
• Zolendronic acid, which is widely used to treat bone metastases, does decrease the number of bone related events
• Neither of these approaches improves overall survival--the time to death

Duration of Treatment for High Risk Prostate Cancer

For men whose prostate cancers are at high risk of recurring or spreading, standard treatment is 36 months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This therapy is effective but also causes side effects including weakened bone and possible cardiovascular problems. A Canadian trial demonstrated that 19 months of ADT is as effective as 36--which means that men with high risk prostate cancer can get the full benefit of this treatment with fewer side effects.

Renal Cell Cancer (Kidney Cancer)

What is the Right Sequence for Drugs in Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer?

Today, there are a number of agents available to treat renal cell cancers that have recurred or spread. Some of these drugs target different genetic mutations or pathways that have been identified as drivers for this kind of cancer. The RECORD-3 clinical trial confirmed that sunitinib, an agent that inhibits the VEGF mutation remains the standard of care for first line therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Everolimus, which targets the mTOR pathway, can be considered for patients with poor risk disease and those who have heart problems that make it impossible for them to sunitinib and other drugs known as TKIs.

Testicular Cancer

What is the Role of Active Surveillance for Stage I Testicular Cancer?

The majority of patients diagnosed with testicular cancer have early, stage I disease. Treatments for this type of cancer are very effective with an almost 100% cure rate. After surgery, there are several options for follow up treatment, including what is known as active surveillance--regular checkups and observation. Two new Danish studies demonstrate that active surveillance is as effective as treatment for men with stage I testicular cancer, whether it is seminoma or non-seminoma.

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Types of Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

At Penn, men with prostate cancer have access to new and advanced treatment options and ongoing clinical trials in radiation therapy including proton therapy. As part of Penn Medicine's commitment to advancing cancer care in patients, radiation oncologists are also researching how radiation treatment affects the quality of life for cancer patients.

These are some types of radiation therapy that may be used to treat prostate cancer.

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) uses frequent imaging during a course of radiation therapy to improve the precision and accuracy of the delivery the radiation treatment.

In IGRT, the linear accelerator (machine that delivers radiation) is equipped with imaging technology that take pictures of the tumor immediately before or during the time radiation is delivered.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

Radiation therapy, including IMRT, stops cancer cells from dividing and growing, thus slowing or stopping tumor growth. In many cases, radiation therapy is capable of killing all of the cancer cells.

Using 3-D computed tomography (CT) images in conjunction with computerized dose calculations, IMRT allows for the radiation dose to conform more precisely to the three-dimensional shape of the tumor by controlling, or modulating the intensity of the radiation beam in multiple small volumes.

The therapy allows higher radiation doses to be focused on regions within the tumor while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal critical structures.

Cyberknife®

Cyberknife delivers beams of high dose radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy.
CyberKnife therapy is pain free, non-invasive and can be done as an outpatient procedure. CyberKnife can treat hard to reach tumors, and requires no anesthesia during treatment.

Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is external beam radiotherapy in which protons are directed at a tumor. The radiation dose that is given through protons is very precise, and limits the exposure of normal tissues. This allows the radiation dose delivered to the tumor to be increased beyond conventional radiation. The result is a better chance for curing cancer with fewer harmful side effects.

Unlike X-rays, protons can be manipulated to release most of their energy only when they reach their target. With more energy reaching the cancerous cells, more damage is administered by each burst of radiation.

Read a patient testimonial about proton therapy for prostate cancer here.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options including a second opinion for prostate cancer treatment.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

Read More

Prostate Cancer, Surgery and Treatment Options at Penn Medicine

Surgery may be an option for many men with prostate cancer. In some prostate cancer cases, a radical prostatectomy, removal of the prostate gland, is needed.

Penn is a national leader in surgical treatment of prostate cancer and its surgeons are at the forefront of developing and using new minimally invasive surgical techniques. Benefits of minimally invasive surgical techniques include:

• Smaller incisions/less scarring
• Significantly less pain
• Less blood loss
• Shorter recovery time
• Faster return to normal daily activities

Radical Prostatectomy

A radical prostatectomy is complete removal of the prostate gland, surrounding tissue and seminal vesicles. A prostatectomy can be performed via traditional surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery.
Traditional prostatectomy

Traditional prostatectomy involves removing the prostate and surrounding tissues through an incision in the body. Nearby lymph nodes may be removed at the same time.

The surgical incision can be made either though the abdomen or through the perineum, the area between the scrotum and the anus.

Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy

One of the most innovative treatments for prostate cancer is robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy – removal of the prostate gland via computer-assisted surgery.

Laparoscopic robotic-assisted prostatectomy is the complete removal of the prostate using long, narrow instruments that are introduced through very small skin incisions. To perform the procedure, six tiny incisions are made in the patient's abdomen and the laparoscopic instruments are carefully inserted and attached to the robot.

Robotic prostatectomy offers similar and sometimes better outcomes than traditional prostate cancer surgery. The margins obtained around the prostate are just as precise, if not more so, than with open surgery. This leads to cancer cure rates equal to traditional surgery. Better precision also means better nerve sparing, thereby maximizing the chances of preserving sexual and urinary function.

While these technological advantages are significant, a surgeon's skill and experience remain the most important elements for achieving good outcomes. Penn has one of the most experienced robotic-assisted surgery teams in the world, with full-time surgeons dedicated to robotic-assisted prostatectomies. It’s their experience, understanding of the body and prostate cancer, and dexterity of the robot’s tools that helped rank Penn’s urology the highest in the Philadelphia region, and among the nation’s best.

Most men who have robotic-assisted prostatectomies return to work in two to three weeks and can resume activities such as golf and weightlifting in about three weeks.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a treatment currently offered through clinical trial studies. Cryosurgery is the application of extreme cold to destroy tumors and cancer cells. Cryosurgery may be an option to treat prostate cancer if other treatment options are not successful.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options including a second opinion for prostate cancer treatment.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

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The PSA Test, and Options for Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

The prostate gland produces a protein called prostate-stimulating antigen, or PSA.

Often, PSA levels will begin to rise before there are any symptoms of prostate cancer. Sometimes, an abnormal digital rectal exam may be the only sign of prostate cancer (even if the PSA is normal). If you have an elevated PSA, your doctor may have recommended a biopsy to tell if you have prostate cancer.

Many men who come to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center have already received a biopsy result that is positive for prostate cancer. However, before a personalized treatment plan is developed, our team provides a thorough evaluation to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. This may include an endorectal coil MRI of the prostate gland and pelvis, an advanced diagnostic technique developed at Penn Medicine,  that currently represents the optimal method for visualizing the local anatomy and assessing the extent of the disease.

The Gleason Grade and Gleason Score

The biopsy results are reported using what is called a Gleason grade and a Gleason score.

The Gleason grade tells you how fast the cancer might spread. It grades tumors on a scale of 1 to 5. You may have different grades of cancer in one biopsy sample.

The two main grades are added together. This gives you the Gleason score. The higher your Gleason score, the more likely the cancer is to have spread past the prostate.

The chart below shows diagnoses for different Gleason scores.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options including a second opinion for prostate cancer treatment.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

Read More

Prostate Cancer, Risk, Assessment and Treatment at Penn

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system located just below the bladder. The prostate is small, about the size of a walnut, and it produces fluid found in semen.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancerous (malignant) cells form in the tissues of the prostate.

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in men over 75. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 50.

Prostate Cancer Risk and Prevention

Men who develop prostate cancer are more likely than other men to have certain risk factors for the disease. A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease.

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, certain factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Age. Prostate cancer is rare in men under the age of 50. The risk for prostate cancer increases as men get older .
• Family history of prostate cancer. Men who have a brother or father with prostate cancer have a higher risk for prostate cancer.
• Race. Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than white men, and it occurs at an earlier age in African American men.

This does not mean men who have one or more of these factors will develop prostate cancer, but they should speak with a physician about their risk.

Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment

Men who have conditions that put them at risk for prostate cancer may benefit from consulting with their physician to determine their risk. If they are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, they may consider getting screened for prostate cancer.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options - including getting a second opinion for your prostate cancer treatment.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

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Cancer Awareness Month for September: Thyroid Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Previvor Week

September is thyroid and prostate cancer awareness month. Previvor week is also in September Be sure to subscribe to the Focus On Cancer blog and like the Abramson Cancer Center Facebook page for more information on thyroid and prostate cancer throughout the entire month, as well as Previvor week.

At a Glance: Thyroid Cancer

• There are four main types of thyroid cancer: Papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
• Thyroid cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among men and women today. There is no known cure for advanced stage thyroid cancer, only treatments to help slow down its growth.
• If detected early, there is a very good prognosis so asking for a neck check while at the dentist and your general practitioner is very important.

Learn more about the treatment for thyroid cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center.

At a Glance: Prostate Cancer

• Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in men over 75, and is rarely found in men younger than 50.
• According to a recent study in Cancer Prevention Research journal, a high fiber diet can slow the progression of prostate cancer.
• Many older men have slow growing, low-volume prostate cancer that does not affect life expectancy because of how long the cancer takes to grow and become clinically important.

Learn more about the treatment for prostate cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center.

At a Glance: Previvor Week

• The term “cancer pre-vivor” arose in 2000 from a challenge on the website, FORCE, which stands for “Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered.”
• Previvors have unique needs from people with cancer such as active surveillance, testing and often need to make treatment decisions based on their risk for inherited cancer.
• The goal of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Week and Previvor Day is to raise awareness about hereditary cancer.

Learn more about Previvor week at the Basser Research Center for BRCA.

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PSA Levels and Prostate Cancer

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. In this blog, we discuss prostate cancer, and how rising prostate-stimulating antigen, or PSA, levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

The prostate gland produces a protein called prostate-stimulating antigen, or PSA.

Often, PSA levels will begin to rise before there are any symptoms of prostate cancer. Sometimes, an abnormal digital rectal exam may be the only sign of prostate cancer (even if the PSA is normal). If you have an elevated PSA, your doctor may have recommended a biopsy to tell if you have prostate cancer.

Many men who come to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center have already received a biopsy result that is positive for prostate cancer. However, before a personalized treatment plan is developed, our team provides a thorough evaluation to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. This may include an endorectal coil MRI of the prostate gland and pelvis, an advanced diagnostic technique developed at Penn Medicine,  that currently represents the optimal method for visualizing the local anatomy and assessing the extent of the disease.

The Gleason Grade and Gleason Score

The biopsy results are reported using what is called a Gleason grade and a Gleason score.

The Gleason grade tells you how fast the cancer might spread. It grades tumors on a scale of 1 to 5. You may have different grades of cancer in one biopsy sample.

The two main grades are added together. This gives you the Gleason score. The higher your Gleason score, the more likely the cancer is to have spread past the prostate.

The chart below shows diagnoses for different Gleason scores.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

Read More

Support Prostate Cancer Research in 2013 Gary Papa Run

According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 6 American males are affected by prostate cancer today. They estimate that 2013 will see 238, 590 new cases diagnosed as well.

To raise greater awareness support for the fight against prostate cancer, Penn Urology and Radiation Oncology doctors will be joined by staff, family and friends for the 11th Annual Gary Papa Run on Father's Day, June 16 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

To register as a team member or team sponsor, please visit www.garypaparun.com

and join the Penn Urology/Penn Radiation Oncology team in the fight against prostate cancer.

Any questions with registration or to make a donation, please contact Anna Bottoms at 215-615-0408.

Team shirts will be provided for all registered team members for the Penn Urology/Penn Radiation Oncology team. Registration pamphlets can also be picked up at the Radiation Oncology and Urology offices at HUP, Presbyterian and Pennsylvania Hospital.

Read about Penn’s participation in the 2012 Gary Papa Run here.

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High Fiber Diet Could Slow Prostate Cancer

Do you get enough fiber in your diet?

Fiber has many nutritional benefits including lower blood cholesterol levels, better blood sugar control, and bowel regularity.

But a recent study published in the journal, Cancer Prevention Research, found in mice models, a diet high in fiber can actually slow the progression of prostate cancer.

The article, first published in December 2012, highlights the ability of a specific compound found in fiber called IP6 to prevent the progression of prostate cancer in mice.

IP6 is found in high-fiber diets, and it was found that it prevented new blood vessels from being formed. No new blood vessels meant the prostate cancer couldn’t get the energy it needed to spread.

Cancer researchers think the study in mouse models may translate into suppressing growth and progression in humans.

The benefits of fiber go beyond prostate cancer, however. Studies have also shown fiber to be linked to lower risk for colon and rectal cancers.

How to Get More Fiber in Your Diet

Here are some tips for adding more fiber to your diet.

• Add more fiber gradually, a week or two at a time. Adding fiber too quickly can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and gas.
• Spread out your fiber intake throughout the day rather than loading up in one sitting.
• Eat whole fruits instead of juice.
• Use beans as a source of both fiber and protein.
• Make all of your grains whole grains. Look for cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving and breads and crackers with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.

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Focus On Cancer Year in Review: Prostate Cancer and Proton Therapy

2012 was an exciting year for the Abramson Cancer Center. We are featuring blogs featured on the Focus On Cancer blog that highlight cancer treatment breakthroughs, coping tips and ideas, education and inspiration. Today, we are highlighting Bill Barbour, a prostate cancer survivor that had proton therapy for prostate cancer at Penn Medicine.

Always active, Bill didn’t let treatment for prostate cancer slow down his life, or his participation in his favorite activity, cycling. Bill chose to have proton therapy for prostate cancer at Penn in February, 2012, and today he is cancer free.

Watch Bill tell his story about before and after cancer treatment.

Prostate Cancer Treatment with Proton Therapy at Penn

Bill Barbour, 63, of New York, is an avid cyclist who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May, 2011. Always active, he wasn’t ready to let treatment for prostate cancer slow down his life, or his participation in his favorite activity, cycling. Bill chose to have proton therapy for prostate cancer at Penn in February, 2012, and today he is cancer-free, and looking forward to riding with the Abramson Cancer Center cycling team in the Philadelphia LIVESTRONG challenge this August.

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May, 2011. Last fall when my doctor recommended I start to consider treatment options for my prostate cancer, I immediately thought about the effects that the popular treatments for prostate cancer may have on my cycling. Cycling plays a significant role in my life, so I sought the advice from a fellow avid cyclist who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer. He related that he wasn’t able to ride for an extended period after his treatment.

My thoughts turned to the negative impact that such a layoff from cycling would have on my physical conditioning. It takes top physical conditioning to ride the distances needed for my frequent group rides and for my daily commute to work. I wanted a treatment option for prostate cancer that would minimize any reduction of my cycling activity, and I began researching various treatments for prostate cancer.

Learning About Proton Therapy

I quickly learned about proton therapy for prostate cancer from the excellent book called You Can Beat Prostate Cancer by Robert Marckini. After reading it, and doing some more research on my own, I felt that proton therapy, was not only as an effective treatment for my prostate cancer, but it was also a treatment that would allow me to maintain my active lifestyle.

Proton treatment at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center within the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia could not have worked out any better for me.

Through Hosts for Hospitals, I found a gracious family that opened their home in Philadelphia for me during my 8 weeks of proton therapy treatments. I acquired a bike and I was able to ride from my host’s home to my proton therapy sessions at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center in Philadelphia. Thanks to laptop computers and the internet, I was even able to bring my work with me, and never missed a beat.

Not only did proton therapy allow me to avoid a lengthy post-surgery layoff from cycling, I was able to regularly include cycling, something so important to me and my lifestyle, in my routine while undergoing my treatment.

During each ride I realized how fortunate I was to have gone from the prospect of not being able to sit on a bike seat to having the best seat in the house. I rode the scenic Schuykill River Trail, and I never tired of the great views of center city from the South Street Bridge.

Every pedal stroke reminded me that we are truly living in the age of advanced medicine and how important it is for those facing a potentially lifestyle altering treatment decision to consider proton therapy for prostate cancer.

Cancer Information From a Reliable Source

Thank you for a fantastic 2012. The Focus On Cancer blog is committed to provide people with cancer and their caregivers educated information from a reliable source, the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine. Please subscribe to our blog to get updates about new cancer treatments at Penn, credible information from cancer experts at Penn, and inspiration from other people with cancer.

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Know Your Options for Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

In his "Open Letter to the Newly Diagnosed" prostate cancer survivor, Bill Barbour did a lot of research about his treatment options for prostate cancer. He had proton therapy for prostate cancer at Penn, and today, he advises other prostate cancer survivors to know their treatment options for prostate cancer.

Men can get a first, second, and third opinions all in one place at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center. After a complete evaluation, we'll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, with all your options under one roof.

Penn offers the following treatment options:

Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Penn Urologists are world renowned for developing leading-edge surgical techniques such as nerve-sparring and minimally invasive prostatectomy, both designed to preserve urinary and sexual function for prostate cancer patients.

Traditional Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Penn Radiation Oncology is one the few programs in the nation that can offer prostate cancer patients all of the different conventional radiation therapies.

Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Penn is only cancer center in the region that offers, proton therapy, an incredibly precise form of radiation with the potential for less side effects. The Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn is the largest and most advanced center in the world.

Medical Oncology for Prostate Cancer

Depending on how advanced the prostate cancer is, some patients may need to see a medical oncologist. Penn Medicine's oncology program offers patients the latest clinical trials and novel therapies for prostate cancer.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

Read More

Prostate Cancer Surgery at Penn

Surgery may be an option for many men with prostate cancer. In some prostate cancer cases, a radical prostatectomy, removal of the prostate gland, is needed.

Penn is a national leader in surgical treatment of prostate cancer and its surgeons are at the forefront of developing and using new minimally invasive surgical techniques. Benefits of minimally invasive surgical techniques include:

• Smaller incisions/less scarring
• Significantly less pain
• Less blood loss
• Shorter recovery time
• Faster return to normal daily activities

Radical prostatectomy

A radical prostatectomy is complete removal of the prostate gland, surrounding tissue and seminal vesicles. A prostatectomy can be performed via traditional surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery.

Traditional prostatectomy

Traditional prostatectomy involves removing the prostate and surrounding tissues through an incision in the body. Nearby lymph nodes may be removed at the same time.

The surgical incision can be made either though the abdomen or through the perineum, the area between the scrotum and the anus.

Robotic-assisted prostatectomy

One of the most innovative treatments for prostate cancer is robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy – removal of the prostate gland via computer-assisted surgery.

Laparoscopic robotic-assisted prostatectomy is the complete removal of the prostate using long, narrow instruments that are introduced through very small skin incisions. To perform the procedure, six tiny incisions are made in the patient's abdomen and the laparoscopic instruments are carefully inserted and attached to the robot.

Robotic prostatectomy offers similar and sometimes better outcomes than traditional prostate cancer surgery. The margins obtained around the prostate are just as precise, if not more so, than with open surgery. This leads to cancer cure rates equal to traditional surgery. Better precision also means better nerve sparing, thereby maximizing the chances of preserving sexual and urinary function.

While these technological advantages are significant, a surgeon's skill and experience remain the most important elements for achieving good outcomes. Penn has one of the most experienced robotic-assisted surgery teams in the world, with full-time surgeons dedicated to robotic-assisted prostatectomies. It’s their experience, understanding of the body and prostate cancer, and dexterity of the robot’s tools that helped rank Penn’s urology the highest in the Philadelphia region, and among the nation’s best.

Most men who have robotic-assisted prostatectomies return to work in two to three weeks and can resume activities such as golf and weightlifting in about three weeks.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a treatment currently offered through clinical trial studies. Cryosurgery is the application of extreme cold to destroy tumors and cancer cells. Cryosurgery may be an option to treat prostate cancer if other treatment options are not successful.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

Read More

Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer at Penn

When Frank McKee was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he wanted to find the best possible treatment to fight his disease. Frank did extensive research about prostate cancer treatments and learned about proton therapy for prostate cancer, the world’s most advanced form of radiation therapy.

"For me, I wanted to treat the cancer. I wanted to be done with it," Frank said. "And, I wanted to be done with it in a way that had a minimum amount of side effects and affect my life the least."

"That’s why I picked proton therapy."

In this video, Frank discusses his diagnosis, and why he chose proton therapy at Penn Medicine.

Learn more about prostate cancer treatment at Penn including proton therapy for prostate cancer. 

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What is a PSA Test for Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland produces a protein called prostate-stimulating antigen, or PSA.

Often, PSA levels will begin to rise before there are any symptoms of prostate cancer. Sometimes, an abnormal digital rectal exam may be the only sign of prostate cancer (even if the PSA is normal). If you have an elevated PSA, your doctor may have recommended a biopsy to tell if you have prostate cancer.

Many men who come to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center have already received a biopsy result that is positive for prostate cancer. However, before a personalized treatment plan is developed, our team provides a thorough evaluation to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. This may include an endorectal coil MRI of the prostate gland and pelvis, an advanced diagnostic technique developed at Penn Medicine,  that currently represents the optimal method for visualizing the local anatomy and assessing the extent of the disease.

The Gleason Grade and Gleason Score

The biopsy results are reported using what is called a Gleason grade and a Gleason score.

The Gleason grade tells you how fast the cancer might spread. It grades tumors on a scale of 1 to 5. You may have different grades of cancer in one biopsy sample.

The two main grades are added together. This gives you the Gleason score. The higher your Gleason score, the more likely the cancer is to have spread past the prostate.

The chart below shows diagnoses for different Gleason scores.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

Read More

Radiation Treatment at Penn for Prostate Cancer

At Penn, men with prostate cancer have access to new and advanced treatment options and ongoing clinical trials in radiation therapy including proton therapy. As part of Penn Medicine's commitment to advancing cancer care in patients, radiation oncologists are also researching how radiation treatment affects the quality of life for cancer patients.

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) uses frequent imaging during a course of radiation therapy to improve the precision and accuracy of the delivery the radiation treatment.

In IGRT, the linear accelerator (machine that delivers radiation) is equipped with imaging technology that take pictures of the tumor immediately before or during the time radiation is delivered.

Specialized computer software compares these images of the tumor to the images taken during the simulation to establish the treatment plan. Necessary adjustments can then be made to the patient's position and/or the radiation beams to more precisely target radiation at the cancer and avoid exposure to the healthy surrounding tissue.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

Radiation oncologists at Penn Medicine use intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to treat prostate cancer. This advanced mode of high-precision radiotherapy utilizes computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to tumors or specific areas within the tumors.

Radiation therapy, including IMRT, stops cancer cells from dividing and growing, thus slowing or stopping tumor growth. In many cases, radiation therapy is capable of killing all of the cancer cells.

Using 3-D computed tomography (CT) images in conjunction with computerized dose calculations, IMRT allows for the radiation dose to conform more precisely to the three-dimensional shape of the tumor by controlling, or modulating the intensity of the radiation beam in multiple small volumes. The therapy allows higher radiation doses to be focused on regions within the tumor while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal critical structures

Cyberknife®

CyberKnife is a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors anywhere in the body, including the prostate. The treatment delivers beams of high dose radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy.

CyberKnife therapy is pain free, non-invasive and can be done as an outpatient procedure. CyberKnife can treat hard to reach tumors, and requires no anesthesia during treatment. Penn’s CyberKnife is located at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Proton therapy

Penn Medicine's Roberts Proton Therapy Center is the largest and most advanced facility in the world for this precise form of cancer radiation. At Penn Medicine, patients have access to one of the most sophisticated weapons against cancer, seamlessly integrated with the full range of oncology services available at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center.

Proton therapy is external beam radiotherapy in which protons are directed at a tumor. The radiation dose that is given through protons is very precise, and limits the exposure of normal tissues. This allows the radiation dose delivered to the tumor to be increased beyond conventional radiation. The result is a better chance for curing cancer with fewer harmful side effects.

Proton therapy, like all forms of radiation therapy, works by aiming the energized particles, in this case protons, onto the target tumor. These particles damage the DNA of cells, ultimately causing their death.

Unlike X-rays, protons can be manipulated to release most of their energy only when they reach their target. With more energy reaching the cancerous cells, more damage is administered by each burst of radiation.

Read a patient testimonial about proton therapy for prostate cancer here. 

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer. 

Read More

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system located just below the bladder. The prostate is small, about the size of a walnut, and it produces fluid found in semen.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancerous (malignant) cells form in the tissues of the prostate.

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in men over 75. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 50.

Prostate Cancer Risk and Prevention

Men who develop prostate cancer are more likely than other men to have certain risk factors for the disease. A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease.

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, certain factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Age. Prostate cancer is rare in men under the age of 50. The risk for prostate cancer increases as men get older .
• Family history of prostate cancer. Men who have a brother or father with prostate cancer have a higher risk for prostate cancer.
• Race. Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than white men, and it occurs at an earlier age in African American men.

This does not mean men who have one or more of these factors will develop prostate cancer, but they should speak with a physician about their risk.

Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment

Men who have conditions that put them at risk for prostate cancer may benefit from consulting with their physician to determine their risk. If they are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, they may consider getting screened for prostate cancer.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - for full insight on all your options.

Our team will:

• Help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take
• Ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics
• Offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place
• Answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options
• Provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about prostate cancer treatment, side effects of prostate cancer, and other prostate cancer information by watching a five-part video series about prostate cancer.

Read More