Earlier today, Bert Vorstman, M.D., a Florida urologist with nearly 30 years expertise in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, launched a series of exclusive medical reports detailing information and misinformation about prostate cancer screening and treatment options, including myths and marketing related information behind.
Vorstman releases his reports, designed as an advocacy and educational resource tool for men diagnosed with prostate cancer, online.
Big business
Prostate cancer, according to Vorstman, has become big business with a profit motive sometimes taking precedence over less invasive treatment options. He takes a critical view of manufacturers, hospital systems and some colleagues who minimize the after effects of radical surgeries while continuing to endorse the procedures as a viable option. “Men who choose these treatments without reviewing alternative, less invasive options are playing Russian Roulette with the QoL (Quality of Life) prospects following the surgery,” he said. “Particularly troubling is the psychological manipulation of vulnerable patients by physicians playing the cancer card.”
Aggressive treatment
Today’s men have four main definitive treatment options for localized prostate cancer, and these are High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), cryoablation (freezing), radiation and surgical options. In most instances, all of these four treatment options are designed only for localized prostate cancer. The survival benefits are similar, yet the complications, including life altering impotence or incontinence, vary tremendously between treatments.
“I want patients to realize that prostate cancer is not an emergency diagnosis,” Vorstman said. “When we hear the word cancer, we assume fast, aggressive treatment is required. Most prostate cancers are slow growing, which means patients and their partners have time to do their research and make a fully informed decision about treatment. As long as the cancer is not growing aggressively, patients can wait before seeking treatment.”
Understanding the disease
Vorstman urges men and their partners to get very involved in understanding the disease, treatment options and potential complications. “Men should seek written information they can review after their meeting with their doctor. They should also seek several opinions on the various treatment options available. Sadly, there is a lot of questionable information out there, as well as a propensity for medical spin and inflated egos.”
For patients facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer, the bottom line is that, according to Vorstman, “Prostate cancer does not have to be cut out to offer a cure. There are minimally invasive treatments besides surgery that preserve quality of life and give men a better outlook in the future.”
For more information:
– About Prostate Cancer: For Healthcare Professionals
– Prostate Cancer Treatment (PDQ?) Patient Version
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