The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
Screening & Early Detection are Keys to Survival
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, with about one in eight being diagnosed during their lifetime. It’s also one of the leading causes of cancer death. Early detection is crucial, so Mercy Health is raising awareness about the disease and urging men to get screened.
“There are no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer – making it a silent disease,” said Dr. James Kravec, chief clinical officer, Mercy Health – Lorain. “Regular testing can detect a problem while it is the most treatable. It’s a crucial part of decreasing the mortality rate of this disease.”
The National Comprehensive Care Network recommends men start screening for prostate cancer at the age of 45 and continue those through age 75. However, African Americans and those who have a family history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer should start screening earlier – around age 40.
“Ultimately, it should be a discussion with your doctor so you can make an informed decision about when the right time is for you to start getting screening,” Dr. Kravec added. “The takeaway is to make sure men get appropriate screenings as often low-risk prostate cancer can be diagnosed before aggressive treatment is required.”
Prostate screenings typically involve a rectal exam as well as a blood test to check prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Because there can be several reasons behind elevated PSA levels, a prostate-specific MRI may also be ordered to assess an individual’s risk of cancer.
If cancer is detected, a urologist can explain the type of prostate cancer found. Less aggressive cancers may not require treatment, only monitoring. If it’s a more serious form of the disease, various treatment options may be utilized including surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, etc.
To learn more about prostate cancer and the treatment options available at Mercy Health, visit mercy.com.
About Mercy Health – Lorain
Mercy Health – Lorain is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Mercy Health – Lorain is a full-service, not-for-profit, integrated health care system, which has been providing quality health care to Lorain County and surrounding communities for more than 125 years. The health system provides inpatient, outpatient and ancillary services through its two hospitals, Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital and Mercy Health – Allen Hospital in Oberlin; Mercy Health Physicians; and specialized facilities, including the Mercy Health – Cancer Center, Mercy Health – Outpatient Rehabilitation and Therapy, and Mercy Health – New Life Hospice. The mission of Mercy Health – Lorain is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information, visit Mercy Health online at www.mercy.com.
