health continued from page 58 works well for patients who want a minimally invasive treatment and have concerns about preserving their sexual function and quality of life. It can be done in the office by a trained urologist under local anes- thesia.” Paul recalls, “I was slightly uncomfortable for a couple of days following the procedure but had absolutely no down time, no symp- toms and no irritation. If your eli- gible, it’s a no brainer.” Relle adds, “The right treatment for any one patient depends on his symptoms and his test results. Not every treatment option is good for every patient. Meet with your physi- cian and find out what will work best for you.” OPEN HOUSE INVITATION Senior Latke & Vodka Tuesday, December 19th 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Latkes, dreidels, desserts and more!! Waltonwood Twelve Oaks caters to seniors who desire social opportunities, luxury amenities, and a worry- free lifestyle. With a great location and warm, caring staff, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you step inside. Stop by our holiday open house to learn more! Tours, appetizers and festive refreshments will be offered. RSVP by December 14th 248-567-2060 INDEPENDENT LIVING | LICENSED ASSISTED LIVING | M E M O RY CARE 27475 Huron Circle, Novi, MI 48377 Located across from Twelve Oaks Mall wwwWaltonwood.com | www.SinghJobs.com 60 November 30 • 2017 jn According to the American Cancer Society’s estimates, next to skin cancer, prostate cancer in the U.S. is the most common cancer for American men. There are more than 150,000 new cases of prostate cancer this year and close to 27,000 deaths from prostate cancer. Developing mostly in older men, about one man in seven will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, the average age at diagnosis being about 66. Although it is the third leading cause of cancer death in American men, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 2.9 million men in the U.S. diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. PROSTATE CANCER “Recommendations by profes- “Many of the symptoms of sional organizations vary, an enlarged prostate and however, for cancer screening prostate cancer are similar tests including the prostate- so that the two conditions specific antigen (PSA) test,” can be difficult to dis- Krauss says. “Although the tinguish,” says Dr. Daniel decision to have a PSA test is Krauss, M.D., radiation something a patient should oncologist at Beaumont decide after discussing it with Health System and assis- his doctor, while considering Dr. Daniel Krauss tant professor, OU William risk factors and personal pref- Beaumont School of erences. I generally tell my Medicine. “In addition, patients the benefits of early prostate cancer has no early symp- detection outweigh the risk.” toms and usually grows slowly.” One of the more common non- invasive and effective treatments for prostate cancer is radiation therapy. SYMPTOMS OF “The problem is radiation can ENLARGED PROSTATE: cause injury to adjacent healthy • Difficulty starting urination tissue creating bowel and urinary • A week or slow urinary stream problems as well as erectile disfunc- tion,” Krauss says. “Fortunately, • A feeling of incomplete bladder there is now a technique in which a emptying temporary gel, SpaceOar hydrogel, is • Frequent urination injected through a small needle into • Urgency to urinate the space between the prostate and • Straining to urinate rectum, pushing the rectum out of • Frequently getting up at night the high-dose radiation region. The to urinate patient receives a local or general • A urinary stream that starts anesthesia for this outpatient proce- and stops dure. The hydrogel remains in place • Continued dribbling of urine for three months during prostate • Feeling you need to urinate radiotherapy, after which it liquefies minutes after finishing and is absorbed and cleared in the patient’s urine.” RISK FACTORS FOR Follow-up studies report that PROSTATE CANCER fewer patients using SpaceOar • A man’s risk increases with age. hydrogel during radiation described • Black men are at greater risk of significant declines in their bowel prostate cancer, which is also likely and urinary functions and were bet- to be more aggressive. ter able to retain sexual function If you have men in your family with over a longer period. prostate cancer and a strong family As efforts continue to improve history of breast cancer (BRCA1 or new methods of care for prostate BRCA2), your risk of prostate cancer health, it becomes more evident may be higher. that research continues to be one of Obese men diagnosed with prostate the fastest and safest ways to find treatments that work. • cancer are at risk of a more advanced disease that’s difficult to treat.