September famously marks the end of summertime and the start of football season, but did you know September is also a National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month? This month serves as a reminder to be aware of the most common cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men next to skin cancer – prostate cancer. Prostate cancer occurs in a man’s prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Prostate cancer that is detected early — when it’s still confined to the prostate gland — has a better chance of successful treatment.
Do you know the facts about Prostate Cancer?
- One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, which is why early detection and awareness is so important.
- Prostate cancer takes more than 30,000 lives every year.
- The prostate cancer exam is not as invasive as many men believe; the exam involves a simple blood test (PSA test) and rectal exam, which only take a minute, but save many lives.
- Deaths due to prostate cancer have decreased by about 40 percent, while incidence has remained the same; the decrease is due to the increased use of PSA testing after its commercial introduction in 1986.
- Prostate cancer has been called the “silent killer” because the disease can develop without any obvious symptoms.
Combatting Prostate Cancer with Advanced Therapies
Chesapeake Urology, the region’s largest urology practice, built one of the leading prostate cancer programs. Providing men with an advanced diagnosis and treatments, a comprehensive team of specialists dedicated to the prostate cancer patient, support programs and screening guidelines for men in an effort to win the battle over this disease. Continually on the leading-edge of the most innovative therapies, Chesapeake Urology offers an advanced prostate cancer program that provides men with access to the latest clinical trials as well as cutting-edge treatment options including the newest medications to hit the market as well as minimally invasive surgical procedures. Led by some of the region’s premier prostate cancer specialists, Chesapeake Urology’s advanced prostate cancer program has helped countless men and families see a better future.
Community Involvement in Prostate Cancer Awareness
During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Chesapeake Urology is sponsoring its 8th annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge/Baltimore (ZPCC). Dr. Sanford J. Siegel, President and CEO of Chesapeake Urology, founded the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge in 2007, then the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge, in an effort to give back to the community and to raise research funds and awareness for prostate cancer. This important event is now in 37 cities across the nation. Over the past seven years, Chesapeake Urology has raised over $2 million through this initiative for prostate cancer research, awareness and to provide free prostate cancer screenings for Maryland men in need.
This community supported event includes 10K and 5K races, a 1-mile fun walk and a 100 meter Kids Superhero Dash for Dads. This year, country singer Jimmy Charles will be making a special appearance and performing his new song, “Superman,” which was specially written and produced for the event in honor of all men living with prostate cancer and those who have not survived the disease. More information on the 8th annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge/Baltimore can be found on the ZPCC website – zeroprostatecancerrun.org.
This September, Take Action
This September, during National Prostate Cancer Awareness month, make it a point to learn more about the importance of early detection through prostate cancer screening and ways to take charge of your health. Chesapeake Urology has a wealth of information and resources for men and their families at prostatecancer.chesapeakeurology.com/.
About CUA
Chesapeake Urology Associates (CUA) is the largest urology practice in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region, and one of the leading urology practices in the nation. The group offers patients the most advanced urologic care available today and serves men, women and children in Maryland, as well as people from other parts of the country. CUA’s urologists deliver the most innovative and compassionate urology care available. Composed of 63 of the Mid-Atlantic region’s top physicians – urologists, radiation oncologists, a urogynecologist and uropathologist, including 22 who are fellowship trained, Chesapeake Urology provides the convenience of 21 urology centers and 14 AAAHC-certified surgical centers throughout Maryland.
For more info, please visit www.ChesapeakeUrology.com.