Experts share tips on prevention of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 233,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Overall, the five-year survival rate is 100 percent for men with the disease confined to the prostate or nearby tissue. September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness month and Mount Sinai experts are sharing tips on prevention.

Experts Available for Interview:
Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, Kyung Hyun Kim, MD Chair in Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Chairman, Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology at the Mount Sinai Hospital is available for media interviews. He is an internationally renowned leader in robotic prostate surgery and has performed more than 5,500 robotic prostatectomies. His novel approach (ART™) designed by Dr. Tewari and only offered at Mount Sinai uses unique diagnostic imaging during robotic surgery to spare crucial nerves preventing incontinence and impotence after surgery. "Most men facing prostate cancer can be cured if it is detected early on," said Dr. Tewari. "At Mount Sinai, our Precision Urology ™ approach involves integrating imaging data in a decision support system. This approach limits complications from surgery and minimizes the side effects of treatment. Preserving quality of life is a vital part of our patient-centric approach."

Leslie Schlachter, Senior Physician Assistant, Director of the Men's Health Program at Mount Sinai Health System is also available for media interviews. Schlachter, along with a diverse team of experts, provide an active surveillance program that identifies low grade and low volume prostate cancer and works to create and maintain whole body health with the assistance of an integrated team approach. "Our program is one of the first of its kind to screen for and identify risk factors and assess health issues early on, and actively monitor and treat when necessary. It's designed specifically for men, a group traditionally difficult get 'in the door' over the age of 50. We care for the whole man throughout his lifetime."

Jillian L. Capodice, MS, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is also available for media interviews. Capodice offers a holistic approach to prostate cancer treatment. "Traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture, Chinese herbology and qi gong are promising treatments for common men's health conditions related to the prostate including symptoms related to chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and as supportive care for prostate cancer," says Capodice.

Tips for Prostate Cancer Prevention:

- Age is the strongest risk factor: Almost two-thirds of prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.

- Family history can be important: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease.

-Race is a factor: Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than in men of other races.

-Follow a healthy diet: Eat more low-fat, high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables; limit intake of red or processed meat.

-Diagnosing cancer early: Speak with your physician about your risk for prostate cancer and the benefits of screening. For men at high risk, screening should be considered at 40.

-Screening rests: Screenings consists of a PSA blood test which measures the level of PSA, a protein that is produced by the prostate gland and a digital rectal exam (DRE) which can uncover physical abnormalities of the prostate that may be a sign of cancer.

New Advancements in Treatment and Detection:
ART ™ (Advanced Robotic Technique) prostatectomy is a term that encompasses the robotic surgical techniques developed by Dr. Tewari and his team.
• Targeted biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer. This technique fuses highly detailed MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) with real-time ultrasound using the Artemis device. It provides very accurate information about the location of cancer and its relation to nerves and sphincters.
• A nerve-sparing technique which protects the delicate nerves to help preserve normal sexual function and bladder function.
• A novel surgical technique which involves reconstruction of the supporting structures responsible for urinary continence helps to minimize and prevent urinary leakage.
• Traction-free approach and intra-operative nerve monitoring of the neural hammock or nerves responsible for erectile dysfunction.

'Boot Camp' Regimen Boosts Prostate Cancer Results
Better health leads to better surgical outcomes according to the team at Mount Sinai. Studies have shown that a decrease in abdominal fat translates to better healing and outcomes after prostate cancer surgery. The Boot Camp program combines movement/fitness to get men in the best shape physically and mentally before surgery along with constant hydration after surgery to get the prostate in gear. Men in the program walk 3-6 miles a day, receive personalize nutrition counseling, and encouraged to commit to a life-long wellness approach. For men with low grade/low volume prostates which requiring active surveillance, the Men's Health Program's wellness approach keeps developing cancer at bay and treating only when necessary.