Southeastern Wisconsin Prostate Forum provides support for survivors

With Carl Olson, MD, Medical Director of Cancer Services, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: Sept. 1, 2007

Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 200,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2007. While it is tragic that so many men have been affected by prostate cancer, the sheer number of survivors also shows the great strides that have been made in the detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

African American men and men over age 50 with a family history of the disease have the highest level of risk. In its early stages, prostate cancer rarely produces symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include pelvic pain, change in urine flow or frequency, pain during urination, bloody urine, pain during ejaculation and loss of appetite and weight loss. Today, most prostate cancer survivors lead fulfilling lives, even as they carry with them the experience of being treated for a very serious illness.

Because symptoms do not occur during the early stages of prostate cancer, the best way to catch the disease before it progresses is through regular screenings. At Columbia St. Mary’s, we recommend annual screenings through a digital rectal exam and blood test. The digital rectal exam can help determine if the prostate feels abnormal and the blood test can help determine if the patient has elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can indicate prostate cancer.

This September, we will host our first Southeastern Wisconsin Prostate Forum, which is dedicated to men whose lives have been touched by prostate cancer and those who support them. The Forum will be held at Miller Park from 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Saturday, September 29. The cost is $15 and includes breakfast, lunch and a guided tour of Miller Park.

The Forum will feature special guest speaker Len Dawson, a National Football League hall of famer for the Kansas City Chiefs. He is a prostate cancer survivor and will talk about the importance of early detection and screening. The Forum will also feature learning sessions focused on topics including treatment options, the potential side effects of treatment such as erectile disfunction and incontinence, and the importance of nutrition and spirituality.

The goal of the Forum is to help men gain a better understanding of prostate cancer. Columbia St. Mary's is dedicated to all aspects of prostate cancer, whether it is prevention, detection, treatment, follow up or supportive care.

For more information or to register, call (414) 326-1745.

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