According to the American Cancer Society, in 2018 there will be about 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S., and it will take the lives of approximately 29,430 men. Dr. Stuart Kesler is a urologist with the Hartford HealthCare Tallwood Urology and Kidney Institute.
Q: There has been a fair amount of conflicting information regarding prostate cancer screening utilizing a blood test, known as prostate specific antigen (PSA). What is currently being recommended?
A: There has been somewhat conflicting information publicized over the last few years. Part of the reason is due to the fact that a few large medical studies have come to different conclusions on the benefit of PSA testing. The US Preventative Services Task Force recently completed their latest review of this topic and upgraded their recommendation from a D to a C rating for PSA testing. Meaning, that an informed patient based on a conversation with their physician should consider PSA testing, especially between the ages of 55 and 70.
Q: What are some of the treatments Hartford HealthCare Tallwood Urology and Kidney Institute offers for men with prostate cancer?
A: The treatment options for prostate cancer vary widely depending upon what stage the disease is in at the time of diagnosis. That gets back to PSA testing and screening with the hope of diagnosing the disease sooner, when more treatment options are available and likely to be successful. As far as treatment, there are a number of options for the disease if it is in its early stages and remains localized. These include active surveillance, surgery, and radiation. For more advanced forms of prostate cancer, hormone deprivation therapy and chemotherapy are great options.
Q: ZERO Prostate is a national not-for-profit organization with the mission of eliminating prostate cancer. The Tallwood Urology and Kidney Institute is partnering with ZERO Prostate to be a host for its Connecticut 5K race. Tell us about the race.
A: The 2018 ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Hartford is a great way to come out and support friends, family, and all those who have been touched in some way by prostate cancer! It features a 5K run/walk, Kids’ Superhero Dash for Dad, and a health fair located on the concourse. Participants receive shirts, free food, and the opportunity to connect with others who are impacted by prostate cancer. Best of all, we raised over $100,000 at last year’s Hartford race, which goes toward prostate cancer research and educational programs.
Join us in the fight against prostate cancer at the ZERO Prostate Race at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford on Saturday, June 30, 2018. For more information on donating, sponsoring, walking, running or even sleeping in support, click here.