Prostate Cancer Treatment: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
By Dr. Bert Vorstman, PRNEWednesday, August 31, 2011
CORAL SPRINGS, Florida, September 1, 2011 -
- Many Patients Say Treatments Can Be Worse than the Disease
In an extensive article reviewing the most popular prostate cancer treatments available to men today, prominent U.S. urologist Dr. Bert Vorstman takes a critical view on manufacturers, hospital systems and some colleagues who minimize the after effects of radical surgeries while continuing to endorse the procedures as a viable option.
“I believe that the radical surgical/robotic treatment option has single-handedly increased the incidence of impotence and incontinence worldwide, and physicians would do well to consider the Hippocrates affirmation: As to diseases, make a habit of two things–to help, or at least, to do no harm,” he said. “Men who choose these treatments without reviewing alternative, less invasive options are playing Russian Roulette with the quality of life prospects following the surgery.”
The article is available today for review at www.hifurx.com/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-after-effects/
Dr. Vorstman, a New Zealand native and nationally recognized prostate cancer specialist with more than 30 years of treatment expertise, advocates that men and their partners “do their homework” prior to selecting treatment for prostate cancer that could cause severe, lifelong quality of life issues.
“For some, these issues are worse than the disease itself,” said Vorstman.
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,” stated Dr. Vorstman. “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.”
About Dr. Bert Vorstman, MD, MS, FAAP, FRACS, FACS
www.hifurx.com
Dr. Bert Vorstman has a passion to help men and their spouses fully understand the treatment available to them for prostate cancer, as well as the possible complications they face when seeking treatment. To contact Dr. Vorstman, please call +1-877-783-4438.
John Bell, prseitz at bellsouth.net, +1-954-970-3394
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