As we kick off National Cancer Prevention Month, it’s essential to consider how awareness and early detection can be used as prevention. Read more in our latest blog.
The Importance of Cancer Awareness
Accounting for approximately 10 million deaths in 2020, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. The most common cancers include breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer. Every year, people come together during the month of February for National Cancer Prevention Month to raise awareness and highlight the importance of early detection and prevention. This annual event grants an opportunity that helps educate the public on how to recognize cancer risks and reduce those risks where possible. Additionally, shining a light on available treatments, new technologies, and ways to support those affected by this disease.
The event is also a chance for us to celebrate those living with cancer and reflect on how society has made strides in the fight against cancer. Ultimately, it’s an opportunity not only for awareness but also for action.
Prevention Through Early Detection
Early detection of cancer is essential for prevention. This is especially true for prostate cancer, as it’s the second most common cancer in men and rarely has symptoms in its early stages. An individualized screening plan can help detect cancer as early as possible, allowing physicians to target treatments best suited for the patient. Also, early diagnosis means it can often be treated without undergoing complex, life-altering forms of treatment. By scheduling regular checkups, you can closely watch your health and assist with early detection.
What We’re Doing to Help
At Urology Clinics of North Texas, one of the conditions we specialize in is prostate cancer. We offer varied forms of diagnosis and treatment for our patients. MRI/Ultrasound Fusion Guided Prostate Biopsy provides anatomical detail of the prostate, aiding to identify and target suspicious areas to facilitate the ability to detect clinically significant cancer. Radiation is a standard curative treatment. However, it can result in adverse effects on nearby organs that don’t require treatment, such the rectum due to proximity. Therefore, we provide SpaceOAR Hydrogel, which is injected to increase the space between the prostate and the rectum to reduce radiation exposure to the undesignated treatment area.
We consistently explore the safest and most effective ways to treat prostate cancer through varied clinical trials, the latest technologies, and dedication to individualized patient care. We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be scary but at Urology Clinics of North Texas, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Don’t let a prostate cancer diagnosis catch you by surprise – be proactive about your health. Schedule a screening at one of our varied locations today, or visit our website to learn more about our services.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/data/index.htm
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html
https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/national-cancer-prevention-month/
