Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Top Expert Debunks 4 Myths

MARLTON, N.J., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. For those diagnosed with the disease and their families, it's an ideal time to dispel common myths associated with prostate cancer. "Often the public's knowledge or understanding of the disease might not be accurate," says Michael Diefenbach, Ph.D., associate professor of Urology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Many patients feel helpless after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Accurate, reliable and timely information is the first step in assessing your options, says Diefenbach, who is conducting a study about choices people make regarding their prostate cancer treatment.

Diefenbach says common myths about prostate cancer include:

Myth 1: It's a Death Sentence.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer accounts for about 11 percent of all cancer-related deaths in men, and the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent. And the 10-year survival rate is roughly 91 percent.

Myth 2: You need treatment immediately.

While early treatment is still widely preferred, many oncologists argue that patients receive prostate cancer treatment when active surveillance would be a prudent alternative.  

Myth 3: Surgery is the only treatment.

The appropriate treatment for prostate cancer varies from patient to patient, depending on the size and aggressiveness of the tumor.

Myth 4: It only affects the patients.

Prostate cancer is a family disease. Family members are involved in the ongoing care and treatment of their loved one's prostate cancer.

The Cancer Information Service Research Consortium is conducting a research study, called "Healing Choices for Prostate Cancer" designed to educate patients about their treatment options through the use of a cutting-edge multimedia software program.  The goal is to improve patient knowledge and their treatment decision making.

Patients who call toll-free, 866-258-7981, will receive one of two information packets, depending on which part of the study they enroll in. Some will receive a free, multimedia program and printed material. Others will receive comprehensive printed materials.

Both groups will receive information that outlines various options.

"This multimedia program allows patients and their families to watch and listen to physicians and patients who will talk about various treatment options.  This we hope will help them make a more informed decision," says Diefenbach.

To be eligible to participate, the patient must have a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer and not yet have chosen any treatment.

SOURCE The Cancer Information Service Research Consortium