2009 Press Releases

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

18th Annual Prostate Cancer Symposium :  September 15, 2009

This symposium, sponsored by The Cancer Centers of Saint Barnabas Medical Center, is open to prostate cancer patients and their families. Experts will address current topics in the treatment of prostate cancer.  A buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the presentation will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Islami Auditorium at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Road in Livingston.  Pre-registration is required by calling (973) 322-2668 by September 2.  

The Importance of Prostate Cancer Screening

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 6,000 New Jersey men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, excluding skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. All men are at risk for prostate cancer. The risk increases with age, and family history also increases the risk.

According to Stuart Leitner, M.D., Section Chief of the Medical Oncology Division at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, there are usually no specific signs or symptoms of early prostate cancer which is why prostate screening is so important.

“An annual physical examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and digital rectal exam (DRE) provide the best chance of identifying prostate cancer in its earliest stages.” Dr. Leitner explains. “However, prostate screening is not a perfect test and people should have a balanced discussion about the pros and cons of screening with the doctor who will be performing the test,” he adds.

The American Cancer Society recommends a PSA blood test and DRE yearly for men over age 50 and for younger men who are at high risk for developing prostate cancer. Men with a family history of prostate cancer and African American men should be screened every year beginning at age 40 to 45. Screening does not need to be done in men with a life expectancy of less than 10 years because of age or other medical problems.

The following are the most common symptoms of prostate cancer:

·         weak or interrupted flow of urine

·         urinating often (especially at night)

·         difficulty urinating or holding back urine

·         inability to urinate

·         pain or burning when urinating

·         blood in the urine or semen

·         nagging pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

·         difficulty having an erection

Date: August 10, 2009

Saint Barnabas Contact:  Samantha Anton, 973-322-5425

[ top ] [ back to news index ]