Dr. Steve Johnson, a Radiation Oncologist, was the guest speaker at the Bainbridge Rotary Club speaking to the members about Prostate Cancer and the treatments that are available.

Dr. Don Robinson introduces Dr. Steve Johnson

Johnson stated that early detection is possible by testing the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). He stated that early detection gives the physician many options in the treatment is cancer is found and that most are highly curable. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland and also produced by cancer tissue. According to Johnson, men over 50 should have their PSA tested yearly as a change in PSA numbers are often a warning sign.

Johnson also explained the Gleason Score is used to grade the aggressiveness of the cancer and the Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM), is used to diagnose the stage of the cancer. Johnson stated that most patients referred to them have a T1C which is one of the earliest stages of prostate cancer, and has a good chance of treatment.

All of the treatment are equally curative, according to Johnson, and patients choice their options based on the side efforts of the treatment. There are no treatments without side effects Johnson said. The common treatments for prostate cancer are radiation, seed implantation, isotopes; iodine, palladium and cesium, protons, HDR brachytherapy, and cryotherapy. Johnson stated that some of these treatments are new and that it is wise not to jump at a new treatment until the side effects are discovered.

Johnson stated that there are basically 2 types of treatment for prostate cancer: radiation and surgery; prostatectomy. Johnson explained the various prostatectomy options. He also stated that most patients have to have radiation following surgery.

The risks and benefits of each treatment must be considered by each patient, Johnson said. He also stated that no matter what treatment you receive there is a 10% recurrence rate of T1C cancers.

According to Johnson, men are getting their PSAs and should be following them yearly.