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Friday, July 12, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal Early detection increases Guinn survival chances Prostate cancer second only to skin cancer in frequency of diagnosis By JOELLE BABULA
REVIEW-JOURNAL
Gov. Kenny Guinn's prostate cancer was detected early, giving him a 100 percent chance of surviving at least five years, according to cancer experts. When prostate cancer is found early, before it spreads elsewhere, the five-year survival rate is 100 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. Overall, 93 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive at least five years and 72 percent survive at least 10 years. Little is known about what causes prostate cancer, second only to skin cancer in frequency of diagnosis. About 1,400 Nevada men are expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year and 200 men are expected to die from it, according to statistics from the cancer society. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men. It can be detected through a digital rectal exam and a special blood test called the Prostate Specific Antigen, or PSA. The blood test measures the levels of a certain protein produced by the prostate cells. Test results of fewer than 4 nanograms of this protein per milliliter are usually considered normal. A PSA number between four and 10 is considered borderline, and anything over 10 is considered high. Guinn, 65, said his PSA number is 5.4. The higher the PSA number, the more at risk the patient is of developing the cancer, said Las Vegas urologist Dr. Sheldon Freedman. "With a PSA in that range (5.4), when it's caught early, with surgery he can expect a 75 percent cure rate," Freedman said. Cure rate for prostate cancer means 10 to 15 years cancer free. Following the PSA test, Guinn said, he had 10 biopsies before his cancer was diagnosed. A biopsy is the only way to tell for sure whether cancer is present. Freedman said most doctors perform anywhere from four to 12 biopsies to ensure they have an adequate tissue sample. During a biopsy, cells from the prostate are removed with a needle and sent to a lab to see if cancer cells are present. The doctor inserts a narrow needle through the wall of the rectum and removes prostate tissue quickly. The area can be numbed ahead of time so the process is less painful. The prostate, found only in men, is a walnut-sized gland located in front of the rectum and underneath the bladder. The gland helps produce semen, which carries sperm. According to American Cancer Society literature, "most prostate cancers grow very slowly. In fact, autopsy studies show that many older men who died of other diseases also had prostate cancer that neither they nor their doctors were aware of." Although men of any age can get prostate cancer, 70 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. "Prostate cancer is so slow growing, even if he (Guinn) did nothing for five years, there's a good chance he'd still be in fairly good shape," Freedman said. The most common treatments include surgery and radiation therapy. Freedman recommends surgery for patients age 65 and younger. He says patients who have the entire prostate gland removed have the best chance for a cure. Guinn has yet to decide what treatment option to take. Normal bladder control returns for some men in the weeks or months following surgery, while others have permanent problems, according to the American Cancer Society. Radiation therapy also can cause impotence, as well as abnormal bowel functions, depending on how much nerve damage there is around the prostate during the treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that all men have annual PSA tests and digital rectal exams beginning at age 50. Men in high risk groups should begin testing at age 45. Men at higher risk for prostate cancer include: • anyone over the age of 50. • those who have a diet high in animal fats. • African Americans. • those who are overweight and don't get regular exercise. • those with close family members who have had prostate cancer.
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