Facts and Information about Prostate Cancer

Transcription

1 A HEALTH JOURNAL FOR FRIENDS OF AULTMAN HOSPITAL SECOND QUARTER 2007 The Facts About Prostate Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms and New Treatment Technology M E D I C A L J O U R N A L The prostate is a walnut-size gland found only in men. It is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate contains cells that make some of the seminal fluid, which protects and nourishes the sperm. Risk Factors The following factors increase a man s chance of developing prostate cancer: Age: 55 or older Race: Black Family history of prostate cancer, especially father or brother Family history of prostate cancer diagnosed at a young age A high-fat diet Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, behind lung cancer. While one man in six will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, only one in 34 will die of the disease. The death rate for prostate cancer is decreasing, as the disease is being found and treated earlier. Symptoms Symptoms of prostate cancer may include a need to urinate frequently; difficulty starting urination or holding back urine; painful or burning urination; or pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. Testing Beginning at age 50, men should be offered a digital rectal exam and prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Black men and men with close family members who have had prostate cancer diagnosed CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2 2 AU L T M A N M E D I C A L J O U R N A L at a young age should begin screening at age 45. All men should discuss PSA testing with their physicians. Treatment Once prostate cancer is found, tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent. Treatment depends on the scope of the cancer. To understand your treatment options, you may want to consult with a urologist and a radiation oncologist for help deciding what is the best treatment plan for you. Survival According to the American Cancer Society, 99 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive at least five years. Further, 92 percent survive at least 10 years and 61 percent survive at least 15 years. For men whose prostate cancer is found while still in the prostate or only in nearby areas, the five-year relative survival rate is nearly 100 percent. For men whose cancer has already spread to distant parts of the body when it is found, 34 percent will survive at least five years. Every man s situation is unique. It s important to work with your health-care providers to develop the treatment plan that is right for you. Aultman Hospital offers image-guided radiation therapy that treats prostate cancer with pinpoint accuracy and fewer side effects. Aultman s Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) equipment has the most advanced features to modify the computer-controlled X-ray beams that attack malignant tumors from all directions with radiation. The intensity of each beam s radiation dose is customized according to each patient s treatment plan. Dr. Rodney Ellis This precise equipment allows us to conform or wrap the radiation to the exact shape of the tumor from every angle, said Dr. Rodney Ellis, clinical radiation oncologist at Aultman Hospital. The tumor is getting very aggressive treatment, while the surrounding normal tissues stay healthy, so there are fewer side effects with higher cure rates. IMRT is currently being used to treat Aultman patients with prostate cancer and some cancers of the head and neck. It is also available to care for other common cancers such as those of the breast and lung, along with pelvic tumors. Stage 4 Prostate Cancer

3 AU L T M A N M E D I C A L J O U R N A L Food and Physical Activity Whether you want to lose a few pounds or maintain your current weight, it s important to understand the connection between the energy your body takes in (through foods and beverages) and the energy your body uses during physical activity. To lose weight, you need to use more calories than you take in. To maintain your weight, you must balance your caloric intake with what you use. Every person has the right number of calories needed based on your age, activity level and whether you want to gain, lose or maintain your weight. When it comes to eating right, it s best to choose foods that are packed with nutrients but lower in calories. Foods in this category include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat milk products. If you indulge in something sinfully fattening instead, you ll miss out on the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to maintain optimal health. Improving your health isn t just about eating right. Physical activity plays an important role as well. Here are some examples of common physical activities and the average calories a 154-pound individual will burn in one hour. (NOTE: Calories burned per hour will be higher for people who weigh more than 154 pounds and lower for people who weigh less than 154 pounds.) 3 Moderate Physical Activity Calories Burned Hiking 370 Light gardening/yard work 330 Dancing 330 Golf (walking and carrying clubs) 330 Bicycling (<10 mph) 290 Walking (3.5 mph) 280 Lifting weights (general light workout) 220 Stretching 180 Vigorous Physical Activity Calories Burned Running/jogging (5 mph) 590 Bicycling (>10 mph) 590 Swimming (slow, freestyle laps) 510 Aerobics 480 Walking (4.5 mph) 460 Heavy yard work (chopping wood) 440 Lifting weights (vigorous effort) 440 Basketball (vigorous) 440 Data source: Department of Health and Human Services, adapted from 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) Report.

4 4 AU L T M A N M E D I C A L J O U R N A L An Overview of Cataracts cataract is a clouding of the eye s lens that leads A to decreased vision. The lens of the eye focuses an image onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded and then sent to the brain. Causes The lens of the eye is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. A cataract forms when some of the protein clumps together and starts to cloud an area of the lens. There are several causes of cataracts, including: Aging (the most common cause) Smoking Diabetes Infection or injury Exposure to radiation Taking adrenal cortical hormones for a long time Excessive exposure to sunlight Birth defect Diagnosis As a cataract matures, it often causes glare as well as decreased vision, contrast and color sensitivity. Although you might think you have a cataract, the only way to know for sure is by having an eye examination. To detect a cataract, an eye specialist examines the lens and may do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eye. Treatment For an early cataract, vision may improve by using different eyeglasses, magnifying lenses or stronger lighting. If these measures don t help or if vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading or watching TV, surgery is the only effective treatment. Cataract surgery is almost always performed in one eye at a time. After the cloudy lens is removed, the eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) places an intraocular lens (IOL) in its place. An IOL is a clear lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Copyright 2007 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.

5 AU L T M A N M E D I C A L J O U R N A L The ABCs of Diabetes Today in the United States, we face the twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes. More than 15 million Americans have diabetes, a 49 percent jump since And nearly 40 million Americans suffer from the most common forerunner of diabetes: obesity. In order to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with diabetes, three critical factors need managed. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) has nicknamed these the ABCs: A is for the A1C test to measure blood sugar Short for hemoglobin A1C, the A1C test is a blood test that measures how your blood sugar levels have been averaging over the past few months. Depending on the severity of your disease, your A1C level should be checked about 3-4 times a year. Seniors Health: B is for blood pressure In people with diabetes, the threshold for starting high blood pressure therapy is 130/85. Results from a study of 1,100 patients with diabetes showed that patients with the best blood pressure control had a 34 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease risk compared to those with poorer control. Avoiding Heat-Related Illnesses Senior citizens are more likely to be affected by high temperatures due to poor circulation, effects of medication and chronic conditions that may affect skin and other sensory organs. Here are some preventive measures to help you stay safe this summer: 1. Stay in a cool environment. Use air conditioning in your home, if available, and use fans to circulate the air. If you don t have air conditioning, head to the shopping center, library or other air-conditioned environment during the hottest time of the day. 2. Plan your outdoor activities wisely. When you are outdoors, stay in the shade. Spend time outdoors early in the morning or later in the evening, avoiding the afternoon heat. 5 C is for cholesterol Guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program say that LDL (bad) cholesterol levels should be less than 100, the same level recommended for patients with coronary heart disease. People with diabetes should also try to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels. Just because you have diabetes does not mean you have to die prematurely from heart disease or stroke. Managing the ABCs can make a real difference! Copyright 2007 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved. 3. Keep your body temperature cool. If you re able, take a cool bath, shower or sponge bath. 4. Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing in natural fibers such as cotton and linen. 5. Watch what you eat and drink. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Eat a balanced diet, filled with fresh vegetables and fruit. 6. Create a buddy system. Have a friend, neighbor or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave.

6 6 AU L T M A N M E D I C A L J O U R N A L Allergy Season Sure, it s great to see the sun after another gray Ohio winter. But for some people, spring and summer bring seasonal allergies in addition to sunshine and warm temperatures. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 36 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergies are caused when your immune system is kicked into action by things such as pollen and mold. Allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy/watery eyes and nasal congestion. Weather conditions affect the amount of pollen and mold spores in the air. Allergy sufferers may experience reduced symptoms on rainy, cloudy or calm days while hot, dry and windy weather can increase symptoms. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, here are some tips to help lesson your exposure to pollen and molds: Keep windows closed, and use air conditioning in the summer. Try to stay indoors on windy days or during elevated pollen counts. Choose summer vacation destinations wisely. Aim for more pollen-free areas such as the beach, and pass on that weeklong camping trip. Take medications prescribed by your doctor in the recommended dosage. Don t overmedicate in an attempt to lessen your allergy symptoms. Avoid mowing lawns, raking leaves or being around freshly cut grass. Take a shower after spending time outside, to wash off the pollen that can collect on your skin and hair. Avoid hanging laundry outside to dry. Pollen may cling to clothes, towels and sheets.

7 AU L T M A N M E D I C A L J O U R N A L 7 Myasthenia Gravis Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic condition characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any muscles under voluntary control. The main characteristic of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during active periods and improves with rest. Muscles that control eye and eyelid movements, facial expressions, chewing, talking and swallowing are often affected. The muscles that control breathing as well as neck and limb movements may also be impacted. The cause of MG is a communication breakdown between nerves and muscles. When impulses normally travel down the nerve, the nerve endings release a neurotransmitter substance called acetylcholine. In people with MG, antibodies produced by their immune systems block, change or destroy the receptors for acetylcholine. Myasthenia gravis can affect people of any age. However, it is most common in women younger than 40 or older than 70 and in men older than 50. There is no cure for MG, but treatments are available to help control symptoms of the condition. The first noticeable symptoms of myasthenia gravis may be weakness of the eye muscles, difficulty swallowing or slurred speech. The first steps in diagnosing MG include review of a patient s medical history, along with physical and neurological examinations. If the doctor suspects MG, several diagnostic tests are available to confirm the condition. Approximately 20 out of 100,000 individuals in the United States have been diagnosed with MG. However, MG is considered under-diagnosed and the prevalence is thought to be much higher. MG is not directly inherited, and it is not contagious. Improvements have been made to control MG symptoms. Therapies include medication; the surgical removal of the thymus gland; a procedure in which abnormal antibodies are removed from blood plasma; and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin that modifies the immune system. A physician will determine which treatment option is best for each patient, depending on the severity of the weakness, the impacted muscles, the patient s age and other medical conditions. With treatment, most MG patients have excellent improvement of their muscle weakness. In some patients, MG may go into remission and muscle weakness may disappear completely. In some cases, MG may cause severe weakness resulting in acute respiratory failure. However, most patients can expect to lead normal or nearly normal lives.

8 AULTMAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2600 SIXTH ST. S.W. CANTON, OH PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CANTON, OH PERMIT NO. 809 Warning Signs: Oral Cancer Oral cancer can develop on your lips, gums, cheek lining, tongue and mouth. Call your dentist right away if you notice any of the following: White or red spots/patches on your tongue, gums or any other mouth tissues. A mouth sore or irritation that bleeds easily and doesn t heal. Persistent tenderness, pain or numbness anywhere in your mouth or on your lips. A lump or thickening in your cheek. A thick, rough or crusty spot or a small area that looks like it's wearing away anywhere in your mouth. Difficulty chewing, swallowing, talking or moving your jaw or tongue. A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down. A change in your voice that isn t due to a cold or allergies. See your dentist immediately if you notice any unusual lesions that don t go away. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in the progression of the oral cancer. For more information on any of the topics covered in this newsletter, call the Sharon Lane Health Information Center at , or us at ainstitute@aultman.com. Copyright 2007 Aultman Health Foundation All rights reserved. Aultman, Aultman Institute and the Aultman A logo are all marks of the Aultman Health Foundation. All Medical Journal articles are intended to provide basic medical information and should not be relied upon to replace the advice of your personal physician for individual health problems.