Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States.
Located directly under the bladder, the prostate gland is normally walnut-sized. The urethra, a thin tube that allows urine and semen to exit the body, passes directly through the middle of the prostate gland.
In most cases, prostate cancer grows slowly. Quickly and accurately diagnosing prostate cancer allows your cancer care team to plan personalized treatments to get you back on the road to better health.
Why Choose Englewood Health for Prostate Cancer Care?
The cancer treatment team at The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center is committed to helping you stay as healthy as possible before, during, and after prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. We offer:
- Personalized care from fellowship-trained physicians working together on a multidisciplinary team, including an emphasis on shared decision making between men and their doctors
- Access to cutting-edge treatments and technologies
- Early screening and advanced diagnostic capabilities, such as ultrasound fusion biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Expertise in all types of prostate conditions, including benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer spreading beyond the prostate gland (metastasis)
- Genetic counseling for high-risk individuals
- State-of-the-art radiation oncology technology and infusion center
- Surgical expertise using the latest techniques, including robotic surgery and other minimally invasive techniques
Our general philosophy is a patient-centered approach and a team approach toward treating prostate cancer, using the latest technology and a model of shared decision making between the physician and the patient.
Dr. Maz Ganat, Program Director of Urologic Oncology
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Doctors don’t know exactly why some men develop prostate cancer. However, certain risk factors make the condition more likely. These risk factors include:
- Age greater than 50 years
- Being of African descent
- Certain genetic mutations
- Family history of the disease
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause symptoms. Regular screening helps detect it before the condition progresses.
Signs of advanced prostate cancer often relate to urinary or pelvic symptoms. However, other symptoms are possible. Your symptoms may include:
- Difficulty starting or holding urine flow
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Inability to urinate
- Pain in your lower back or hips
- Painful erections or ejaculation
If you experience any prostate cancer symptoms, it’s important to let your doctor know as soon as possible. Early detection of prostate cancer helps make positive treatment outcomes more likely.
Support Services for Prostate Cancer
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. But you’re not alone. We developed our patient support programs to help you throughout your cancer treatment.
Genetic Counseling
Individuals at high risk for prostate cancer benefit from our risk-assessment program. We combine one-on-one consultations with genetic testing to create personalized recommendations for staying as healthy as possible.
Integrative Medicine
The Graf Center for Integrative Medicine provides you with access to safe, evidence-based complementary wellness services under the oversight of a medical doctor. Our services include:
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy and Reiki
- Meditation and stress management
- Smoking cessation
- Yoga
Nutrition Counseling
A healthy diet can keep you strong and help make your treatment more effective. Registered dietitians work closely with you and your care team to develop eating habits that promote better health.
Palliative Medicine
Side effects from certain cancer treatments — or from the condition itself — can be particularly unpleasant. Our palliative medicine providers help you stay comfortable by preventing and treating any potential side effects.
Patient Navigators
Our dedicated patient navigators are available from your first appointment. They will:
- Answer common questions about the cancer treatment journey
- Connect you with community resources
- Facilitate communication between you and your care team
- Help schedule your appointments
- Provide emotional support
Support Groups
We help connect you with support services in the community and at Englewood Health. Support services are available for patients, family members, and caregivers.
Your Prostate Cancer Treatment Team
It takes a team to provide you with the best cancer care possible. Our specialists meet weekly to discuss your health, review test results, offer recommendations, and plan treatment that’s best suited to your personal needs and treatment goals.
Your treatment team consists of specialists from multiple medical disciplines, including:
- Urologic surgeons, who specialize in disease of the urinary tract and male reproductive system
- Medical oncologists, who use their cancer expertise to create and guide your treatment plan
- Radiation oncologists, who plan and provide radiation therapy