Prostate Cancer

In the United States, studies show that nearly one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.  Prostate cancer is cancer of the small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. The gland is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Prostate cancer is most often diagnosed through a blood test measuring the amount of prostate specific antigens (PSA) in the body. However, signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can include:

•             Changes in urinary flow: frequency, urgency, hesitancy
•             Frequent nighttime urination
•             Painful urination
•             Blood in urine

The treatment for prostate cancer depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease, the patient’s age and health, or personal preference. Treatment options include external beam radiation therapy, internal radiation (brachytherapy), freezing and killing the abnormal cells (cryosurgery), or the surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy).

External beam radiation therapy involves a series of daily outpatient treatments to accurately deliver radiation to the prostate. Using Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) a CT scan is performed at each visit to create a three-dimensional image that pinpoints the exact size and location of the targeted area.