Norwalk Hospital Urologists - Dr. Stephen Batter of Wilton, chief of urology at Norwalk Hospital, and Dr. Jonathan Bernie, chief of robotic surgery, will be conducting free prostate cancer screenings two evenings in September in observance of "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Week." The screenings, sponsored by the Whittingham Cancer Center of Norwalk Hospital, and coordinated by Linda Versea, APRN, MSN, administrative manager of the Whittingham Cancer Center, will be held on Monday, September 14, and Tuesday, September 15, from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., in the Cancer Center.
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men. It is estimated that approximately 192,280 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and more than 27,360 deaths are expected this year.
The free screenings on September 14 and 15, according to Dr. Bernie, are intended for men between the ages of 40 to 75 years old, who currently do not have a urologist or primary care physician and have no history of prostate cancer. The screenings will consist of the two exams, the digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
According to Dr. Peter Dodds, Chairman of the Norwalk Hospital Departmenht of Surgery, this event is intended to bring awareness to the importance of regular prostate cancer screenings. Men at high risk should be screened at age 40 and high risk includes those with a family history of prostate cancer and/or men of African American decent.
"Prostate cancer can be cured when it is diagnosed early," Dr. Dodds emphasized. "There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer, and that is why regular screenings are so important. If diagnosed in its early stages, treatment options are much broader." Treatment options for localized prostate cancer include radiation therapy and new surgical techniques such as robotic surgery, resulting in less pain and faster recovery and a reduction in problems such as incontinence and impotence. Last year, Norwalk Hospital acquired the high definition daVinci Robotic Surgical System. "This has been a great benefit to our patients because it provides 3-D visualization and greater precision enabling the surgeon to perform complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach," Dr. Bernie said. By enhancing surgical capabilities, robotic surgery helps to improve clinical outcomes for patients and redefines standards of care.
Warning signs for serious prostate problems may include weak or interrupted flow of urine, the need to urinate frequently, blood in the urine and continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis and upper thighs.
To register for the prostate cancer screening, call the Whittingham Cancer Center at (203) 852-2148. There are a limited number of appointments available.
