Prostate Cancer Core Facts for 2013

NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The impact of prostate cancer on American men will be significant in 2013, according to the "Cancer Facts & Figures 2013" report by the American Cancer Society (ACS) (http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/documents/document/acspc-036845.pdf). The ACS projects that nearly 240,000 new cases of prostate cancer will account for 28 percent of all male cancers this year. Despite the disease's prevalence, prostate cancer survival rates remain strong. Dr. David Samadi, Vice Chairman, Department of Urology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center and Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery, credits early diagnosis and prostate cancer treatment with successful outcomes for most men.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130125/NY48239 )

"Prostate cancer is a highly treatable disease when diagnosed early, but that doesn't mean it's not a dangerous cancer," says Dr. Samadi. "This report reminds us just how many lives are impacted by prostate cancer each year. Open dialog between doctors and patients about PSA testing is critical to early diagnosis. That, coupled with aggressive treatment like SMART (Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique) robotic prostate surgery are vital to improving survival rates."

ACS report data indicates that almost all men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer or regional prostate cancer will survive beyond five years.

Prostate cancer impact in 2013

• 240,000 new prostate cancer cases will account for just under 1/3 of all new male cancers
• Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death among men
• Prostate cancer risk factors include family history, age, African ancestry, as well as a diet high in processed meat or dairy foods and obesity
• Incidence among African American men is 70% higher than in white men
• 97% of prostate cancers occur in men age 50+
• Prostate cancer has the best five-year survival rate of any other cancer reported: nearly 100% for localized prostate cancer and regional prostate cancer
• The ACS encourages informed patient decision making regarding the Annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and Digital rectal examination (DRE) after age 50
• Close to 30,000 men will die of prostate cancer this year

Routine PSA blood tests allow prostate cancer experts to monitor prostate-specific antigen levels, fluctuations in which can be a strong indicator of the disease's presence, according to Dr. Samadi. When followed by a DRE and prostate biopsy, early prostate cancer diagnosis opens the door to leading treatment options such as robotic prostate removal surgery and radiation therapy.

In summary, Dr. Samadi offers these take-away messages: "There are three important facts here: prostate cancer is highly common, highly detectable, and highly treatable. Men of a certain age are likely to develop the disease, but with persistent testing and the support of a qualified specialist and surgeon, recovery is very likely."

Related Links:

http://www.roboticoncology.com/
http://www.smart-surgery.com/

Related Videos:

SMART Robotic Prostate Surgery - David Samadi, MD - Click Here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRNPA5npn6Y

PROSTATE CANCER NEWS: Better Survival Rates With Robotic SMART Surgery - Click Here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwFoiVLc5UE

PSA Test and Prostate Cancer Treatment - Click Here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6ZxG4srhCQ

SOURCE Dr. David Samadi