September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

The month of September has been designated as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to bring attention to this very common form of cancer that affects so many men. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men and is the second leading cancer-related cause of death in men. Although it is not known exactly what causes prostate cancer some risk factors for developing  it are:

• Older age (more than 65% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men older than 65)
• Race (African-American men are 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men)
• Family history (having a father or brother with prostate cancer)
• Obesity

The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system that produces a fluid that mixes with sperm and other fluids during ejaculation.  It sits just below the bladder and is normally about the size of a walnut.

Prostate cancer, especially in its early stages, may not have any symptoms.  When symptoms are present they may include difficulty starting urination, less force to the stream of urine, dribbling at the end of urination, needing to urinate frequently, urinating frequently at night, pain while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, difficulty starting or maintaining an erection, pain with ejaculation, pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis and upper thighs, or unintended weight loss.

When screening is done there are two tests that are available.  The available tests are a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.  To perform a digital rectal exam your doctor uses a gloved finger, inserted a few inches into your rectum, to check your prostate gland.  A prostate-specific antigen test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood.  Many men who have prostate cancer have elevated levels of PSA, however PSA can also be elevated for less serious causes such as prostate enlargement or infection. Further testing is needed to diagnose cancer.  Additional tests that your doctor may recommend to diagnose cancer include an ultrasound of the prostate and a biopsy of the prostate.  A biopsy is when a small piece of the prostate is removed to look for abnormal cells.

Treatment of prostate cancer depends on many factors including your age, your overall health and the growth and spread of cancer when it is diagnosed.  Some men who have slow-growing tumors may not need treatment right away and some may never need treatment.  Other types of prostate cancer are aggressive and can quickly spread to other parts of the body making treatment difficult.  Common treatment options include watchful waiting or expectant management (regular testing and checkups to assess for new signs or symptoms), radiation therapy (high-energy x-rays used to kill cancer cells), chemotherapy, surgery (having the prostate gland removed), and hormone therapy.
To schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital to discuss a prostate cancer screening, please call 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

The Stages of Alzheimer’s and How the Disease Progresses

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and other mental functions over time, eventually leading to the inability to carry out daily activities.

Progression of the disease can vary by the individual. The average life expectancy of a person diagnosed is eight to 10 years. However, depending on several factors, a person could live as long as twenty years or more after diagnosis.

As the disease gradually worsens, symptoms that are associated with the three main stages of Alzheimer’s will appear. It is important to note that these stages serve as a general guideline as symptoms may vary.  The three stages are:

Stage 1:  Mild, Early Stage – During this stage a person may function independently but may experience memory lapses and other difficulties in concentration such as problems coming up with correct names or words and staying organized.

Stage 2: Moderate, Middle Stage – Typically, this is the longest stage and can last many years. At this point symptoms become more noticeable, and the individual will require more care as they may not be able to successfully complete some routine activities on their own.  Symptoms may include moodiness or withdrawal, confusion about what day it is or location, difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements and increased risk of wandering.

Stage 3: Severe, Late Stage –This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s and individuals will need an extensive amount of help and care.  At this stage, a person loses many physical abilities such as eating, sitting or walking.   Other symptoms that can occur include having difficulty communicating, significant personality changes, lack of awareness of surroundings and becoming more susceptible to life- threatening infections such as pneumonia.

Recognizing the symptoms of  Alzheimer’s is important; as early detection of the disease can help individuals to receive the maximum benefits from available treatments, maintain their independence longer and better prepare for their care in the future.

During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and Flushing  Hospital Medical Center are raising awareness about the disease as it affects an estimated  5.7 million people  living in the United Sates.  Through education we hope to increase public knowledge of the disease, and its effects on individuals as well their caregivers.  To learn more about Alzheimer’s, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website at www.alz.org

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.