| Med-Info |
August - September 1999 Past Issues |
| INSIDE |
| Northwest Prostate Institute
If you could gather 100 males in a room, prostate cancer would be the last thing on their minds. Unfortunately, 13 can be expected to get prostate cancer at some time in their lives, and three will die from it. For males of African-American descent or those with a family history of prostate cancer, the risk is significantly greater. Yet, the news is not all bad. In the past few years, the Northwest Prostate Institute at Northwest Hospital has made significant advances and has become internationally known for its research and treatment of prostate diseases. "The Northwest Prostate Institute has brought the latest research and technologies to the fight against prostate cancer and other diseases of the prostate," says Director Michael Brawer, MD. For example, Northwest Hospital was the first in the Pacific Northwest to offer the complex prostate specific antigen (cPSA). The cPSA test is more accurate and cost effective than other prostate cancer blood tests. Currently, no other single test can distinguish prostate cancer cells from those associated with benign prostate conditions. Dr. Brawer was the principal researcher on the cPSA test. When prostate cancer or disease has been confirmed, the next step is to determine what treatment is recommended. Again, Northwest Hospital leads the way. Haakon Ragde, MD, medical director of prostate seeding was instrumental in making Northwest Hospital the first in the nation to use ultrasound to guide placement of radioactive seeds into the prostate without open surgery. "Brachytherapy, the insertion of small radioactive seeds into the prostate, makes it possible to give high doses of radiation to cancerous tissue while sparing healthy tissue," says Leroy Korb, MD, director of radiation oncology. Faiyaaz Jhaveri, MD, a new addition to the Institute, is a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and other urologic cancers. He is well versed in the latest nerve-sparing and bladder neck-sparing surgery for prostate cancer which helps preserve erections and promotes early return of bladder control after surgery. In addition, he can address side effects, such as impotence and incontinence, if they do occur. "Choosing a treatment option for prostate cancer can be confusing for a patient. It is important to educate patients with the most up- to-date information regarding treatment options, outcomes and side effects," says Dr. Jhaveri. Northwest Hospital is also one of only 100 sites in the nation using an innovative new laser treatment option to fight enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), one of the most prevalent health problems among men over age 60. "The Indigo LaserOptic Treatment System, a minimally invasive procedure, has distinct advantages over both drug therapy and invasive surgery," says Dr. Ragde, a specialist in using the system. "Symptoms improve gradually over time, and side effects are minimized." FREE PROSTATE SCREENING: The Northwest Prostate Institute at Northwest Hospital is conducting free prostate screenings as part of a research study on a new form of PSA (prostate specific antigen) test for prostate cancer. This investigational PSA appears to be more accurate for the detection of cancer. The Institute is one of only a few places in the US that is testing this particular PSA. The screening appointment includes a prostate exam and a small blood sample for PSA testing. Call (206) 633-4636 for an appointment. Space is limited. |
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Messages from our sponsors
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Past Issues
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Elia
Promotes Prostate Screening
Former Seattle Mariners' hitting coach Lee Elia, now with the Philadelphia Phillies, knows the importance of prostate cancer screening. Diagnosed with localized prostate cancer in 1997, he underwent an ultrasound-guided radioactive seed implant procedure the day before his 60th birthday. For the third year, Elia joins Northwest Hospital in urging men to become aware of prostate cancer and to get tested for the disease. "I know how dangerous prostate cancer can be. My dad died of the disease in 1987, and I had my seed implant on the day he would have turned 91 years old. I wish he had the advantage of this kind of testing and treatment, but all I can do now is make sure other men know to get a PSA test and learn all they can about the options for treating prostate cancer." Northwest Hospital is a world leader in pro-state cancer detection, treatment and research. You can be a part of this important effort. Your gift of $25 or more to Northwest Hospital Foundation will help fund a prostate screening for someone in your community. Visit the Northwest Hospital Foundation pages for information on donating online. |
As fall rapidly approaches, now may be a good time to consider a health tune up. Northwest Hospital is committed to promoting the health benefits of awareness, early detection and treatment of diseases. In service to our community's vitality, we are expanding our offerings of health screenings and health education classes.
Throughout the year, we have focused on many health issues, including breast cancer, colon and rectal cancer, and cardiac disease. This month we are focusing on men's health and leg health, specifically peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
Men's Health
Recognizing the need for men to get screening for prostate and testicular cancer and to deal more openly about sensitive health issues, Northwest Hospital is conducting an awareness campaign to encourage men to get appropriate screening for these diseases.
Northwest Hospital has teamed up with sponsors KOMO ABC 4, KVI Radio, Reed McClure, Indigo and Pfizer in a month-long television, radio and print campaign reminding men to get regular prostate exams. Throughout the month of September, KOMO ABC 4 and KVI Radio will air public service announcements, television and radio spots to raise public awareness of prostate cancer.
On September 18, Northwest Hospital will conduct prostate screenings from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Outpatient Medical Center, 10330 Meridian Ave. N. No registration is required.
On September 25, Northwest Hospital and the American Cancer Society will present leading prostate cancer researchers and physicians at the Northwest Prostate Cancer Forum and live videoconference from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Seattle Center. They will speak to prostate cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and interested persons about state-of-the-art treatments, latest developments and recent breakthroughs. For more information, call 1-800-729-1151, ext. 3307.
Legs for Life™
Tens of thousands of people in the U. S. suffer leg pain causing difficulty with walking, climbing and/or exercising. Leg pain is sometimes due to peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a medical condition in which arteries in the legs are clogged or narrowed causing a variety of leg pains.
Northwest Hospital is one of several Puget Sound hospitals taking part in Legs For Life™ - National Screening Week for PVD Leg Pain. The screenings are sponsored by the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, the national association of interventional radiologists, physicians who diagnose and often treat this disease.
On Saturday, September 25, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Northwest Hospital will conduct a free screening to promote the early detection of peripheral vascular disease. The screening will take place at the Ambulatory Surgery Center at the Outpatient Medical Center, 10330 Meridian Ave. N. Space is limited. To register, call (206) 633-4636, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Community Health Education
The key to good health and quality of life is good information! Northwest Hospital offers a series of ongoing childbirth and community education classes designed to keep you up to date on health issues and to help you detect, treat, and prevent injury and disease. For a look at what's coming this fall see the article below.
Prostate Cancer Is a Silent Disease
"Probably the biggest myth that I deal with is that men think they'll have some symptoms alerting them that there's a problem," says Andre Godet, MD, of Urology Northwest. "That's really not true. If you come in because you're having urinary difficulties, you're likely to be too late. You're not going to have early symptoms for prostate cancer. The physician's digital exam and PSA screening are the only chances of detecting it early. Men in high risk groups, such as African-American males and men with a family history of prostate cancer should be evaluated at age 40."
Affecting more than 180,000 American men a year, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men and accounts for 14% of male cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.
Prostate cancer is a malignancy that develops from the cells in the prostate, the gland surrounding the urethra (the tube through which urine passes from the bladder). The prostate, located in front of the rectum and under the bladder, secrets the fluid that carries semen. The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but there is evidence that a gene or levels of certain hormones and/or blood proteins may cause cancer in some men.
Risk Factors
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Men over 50. The majority of cases occur in men over 65, but many cases also occur in younger men, who sometimes have a more aggressive cancer.
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African-American men have the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer in the world with an incidence rate twice that of Caucasians.
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer is a silent disease. It rarely produces any symptoms in its early stages. But, when the tumor growth becomes more advanced, urinary symptoms may develop. They include:
- Frequent urination (especially at night);
- Weak urinary stream;
- Inability to urinate;
- Interruption of urinary stream (stopping and starting);
- Pain or burning upon urination; and
- Blood in urine.
Many of these symptoms are similar to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), another common prostate condition in which the prostate enlarges.
Screening
Physicians recommend that every man over age 50 have a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test each year. African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer should have both tests beginning at 40.
Treatment
As a leader in prostate cancer detection, Northwest Hospital offers several treatment options for prostate cancer. They include:
Surgery removes the prostate gland. "Nerve- sparing and bladder neck-sparing procedures are available," says Faiyaaz Jhaveri, MD, of the Northwest Prostate Institute, who is fellowship trained in such procedures.
External beam radiation therapy kills cancer cells' ability to grow and divide.
Hormone therapies reduce or halt the production of male hormones which feed prostate cancer.
Seed implant therapy (brachytherapy), or the insertion of small radioactive seeds into the prostate, makes it possible to give high radiation doses to the cancerous tissue while sparing nearby health tissue. Dr. Haakon Ragde, of the Northwest Prostate Institute, was the first in the U. S. to guide placement of radioactive seeds into the prostate without open surgery.
Urinary Incontinence Affects Men, Too!
"The average woman waits seven years before she admits that she is incontinent. A lot of guys don't want to admit they leak. For men, it's a very shameful condition," says Karny Jacoby, MD, of Urology Northwest.
Urinary incontinence is a significant health concern, affecting an estimated 17 million Americans. Of those, more than four million are men.
Incontinence is not necessarily a disease or an inevitable part of getting older. Incontinence is often a symptom or side effect of another medical condition.
Prostate problems and the treatments needed to correct the problem are the most frequent causes of urinary incontinence in men. Male urinary incontinence also may be caused by any number of other health conditions, including neurologic disease or injury, such as Parkinson's, stroke or spinal cord injury; obstructed urination; some types of surgery; and certain birth defects or chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.
"In benign prostatic hyperplasia, known as BPH, the prostate becomes enlarged. In BPH, incontinence can occur in two ways. If the prostate is significantly obstructed, the urine leaks out resulting in overflow incontinence," Dr. Jacoby says. "With mild obstruction the bladder may decompensate resulting in urge incontinence, which is the sudden need to urinate, resulting in leakage."
After prostate surgery, either for BPH or for cancer, there are a small number of men who will have stress urinary incontinence, which is the loss of urine during maneuvers such as coughing, lifting, or walking."
Treatments are available for all types of male incontinence. Options include exercises, medications and surgery. "Surgical options for post-prostatectomy stress incontinence are collagen implants that provide bulking of the urethra, artificial urinary sphincter, or the male sling procedure, which involves the surgical placement of tissue under the urethra to provide compression," Dr. Jacoby says.
Early diagnosis of prostate disease is the key to successful treatment of incontinence. Men over age 50 are advised to get annual prostate exams and African-American men or those with a family history of prostate disease are advised to begin prostate exams at age 40.
For tens of thousands of Americans, such simple activities as climbing stairs or walking to the park are difficult and painful. Many Americans assume this is yet another inevitable part of aging. But this assumption can be a serious mistake.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a disease in which the arteries in the legs are clogged or narrowed. Although the cause is not known, risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease or diabetes contribute to the development of this disease.
If PVD is left untreated, walking may be difficult, ulcers may develop, and in severe cases, gangrene can result, making amputation necessary. The early detection and treatment of PVD is important in successfully controlling it.
Do You Have Symptoms?
Peripheral vascular disease is most common for men and women who are over age 50. Are you at risk for peripheral vascular disease? Your answers to these questions will help you know. Do you have:
- Leg pain, particularly when walking or exercising, which disappears after a few minutes of rest?
- Numbness or tingling in the lower legs and feet?
- Coldness in the lower legs and feet?
- Ulcers or sores on the legs or feet that don't heal?
Treatment Options
Treatment options for PVD include life-style changes (diet, exercise, and quitting smoking), angioplasty (inflating a tiny balloon in the artery), thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs), thrombectomy (removal of a blood clot), and bypass graft (creating a detour around the blocked artery).
Legs for Life™
On Saturday, September 25, Northwest Hospital will conduct a free screening to promote the early detection of peripheral vascular disease. For an appointment, call 633-4636, Monday-Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Impotence Impacts Self-Esteem and Relationships
Even though more than 30 million men in the U.S. are affected by impotence (erectile dysfunction), only recently has it become a topic of open discussion. The introduction of the medication Viagra and advertisements featuring former Senator Robert Dole have brought it to the attention of the public at large.
Occurring in all age groups, impotence (the inability to achieve or sustain an erection long enough to complete sexual intercourse) becomes more common with aging. It can be a symptom of many other diseases, including diabetes, vascular diseases, atherosclerosis, hypertension, neurological or hormonal problems. Medications, smoking and alcohol can also decrease potency. Whatever the cause, impotence is treatable for most men.
Screening
A comprehensive physical examination, including blood work, laboratory analysis, and a variety of simple tests may diagnose impotence.
Treatment Options
Your doctor can help to determine the most appropriate treatment for you. Current treatments include:
- Psychosexual Therapy/Counseling can help overcome anxiety and develop sexual practices that may lead to more satisfaction for you and your partner.
- Oral Medications, such as Yohimbine (also called Yocon), Trazadone, and Viagra, may be helpful in treating erectile dysfunction.
- Hormone injections or patches may affect potency by boosting testosterone levels.
- Other treatment options include mechanical devices, penile implants, penile injections and urethral suppositories.
Renewing Intimacy
Impotence often affects a man's self-esteem and his relationship with his partner. Here are a few things you can do to help:
- Discuss the problem candidly with your partner and determine your sexual needs.
- Consider your physical and psychological health. Eighty-five percent of impotence cases are due to physical causes; 15% are due to psychological causes.
- Learn about the causes and treatments for impotence.
- Seek medical consultation.
Testicular Cancer Strikes the Young!
We often don't think of young, active men as being vulnerable to disease, particularly cancer. But, they are. Cyclist Lance Armstrong and skater Scott Hamilton are two nationally known athletes who have received treatment for testicular cancer. As with any cancer, early detection and appropriate treatment are critical elements in fighting the disease.
Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men ages 15 to 35. At high risk are men whose testicles have not descended into the scrotum and men whose testicles descended after age six. Testicular cancer is 3 to 17 times more likely to develop in these men.
Symptoms include: a small, painless lump in a testicle or a slightly enlarged testicle; feeling of heaviness in the scrotum; dull ache in the lower stomach or groin; change in the way a testicle feels; or a sudden accumulation of blood or fluid in the scrotum.
Screening
Parents should have their sons examined by a doctor to be sure that the testicles have properly descended. The testicles normally descend into the scrotum before birth. School, sports and annual physicals should also include a testicular exam. Finally, ask your doctor to instruct you on how to do a monthly testicular self-examination (TSE).
Report to the Community
Recycling: From January to May of 1999, Northwest Hospital recycled 61 tons of mixed paper, 1 ton of kitchen grease, 28 tons of glass, cans and plastics, and 16 tons of yard waste.
Waste Management: Northwest Hospital's incinerator continues to be shut down pending the evaluation of alternative medical waste management and disposal methods and further feasibility studies.
Transportation: To accommodate staff members who need to be at work by 7 am, we started our northbound shuttle, leaving the Northgate Transit Center at 6:35 am, rather than 7 am. This allows additional staff to use the bus system to commute to Northwest Hospital. To date, we have issued 509 Metro Flex Passes to our staff. And, for the first time in our history, we have a vanpool, comprised of eight staff members.
Carpools continue to help minimize the number of
single-occupant vehicles.
Please call (206) 368-1621 to pre-register for classes or for more information. Or, visit our website at
www.nwhospital.org. Unless noted, classes are free and held in the Lindsay Gould Auditorium on the Northwest Hospital campus.
Aging and Depression: Learn about the causes, treatment and prevention of depression as it relates to aging from a Northwest Hospital psychiatric nurse specializing in geriatrics.
September 9, from 6 to 8 pm. Free.
Walking and Balance Disturbances: Learn about these common problems from a Northwest Hospital physical therapist. Get some tips on activity, exercise, and fall prevention.
September 21, from 6 to 8 pm. Free.
Freshstart (Quit Smoking): This American Cancer Society smoking cessation program consists of 5 classes and a follow-up session. Mondays and Wednesdays,
October 4 - 27, from 7:00 to 8:15 pm. Cost: $45.
Living with Asthma: Find out about the causes of and the latest treatments for asthma from a Northwest Hospital physician. A respiratory therapist discusses exercise, inhalers and peak flow meters.
October 7, from 6 to 8 pm. Free.
Baby Maybe: Making the choice whether or not to become a parent can be difficult. Using self-evaluation and group discussion, you will be guided through a process to help you choose whether parenting is right for you.
October 13, 20, 27, from 7:00 to 9:30 pm; November 13, from 9 am to 4 pm.
Cost: $70 per couple; $50 per individual.
Managing Diabetes: A hospital nurse practitioner presents an overview of diabetes and provides advice on successful management of the disease. A dietician discusses dietary adjustments and menu planning.
October 19, from 6 to 8 pm. Free.
Living Well with Diabetes: Gain information and skills to manage your diabetes in this six-session series. Topics include home blood glucose monitoring, diet, medications and exercise. Daytime sessions start in October. Evening sessions start in November.
Call
368-1621 for information about dates, location, and fee.
Help for a Happy Holiday Season: A Northwest Hospital nutritionist discusses healthy holiday foods and unique recipes for this festive time and a staff member presents mental health tips that can add joy to your holiday season.
November 16, from 6 to 8 pm. Free.
Men and Impotence: Learn the causes and treatment options for effectively dealing with impotence. A Northwest Hospital urologist will lead the discussion.
December 7, from 6 to
8 pm. Free.
Childbirth Education offers the Prepared Childbirth Series, a comprehensive package of classes for "first-time" expectant parents. Call the Childbirth Education office at 206-368-1784 to register for classes or to request a brochure with course descriptions, locations, and dates.
Luxury Weekend Retreat: A wonderful option for expectant parents to gain the knowledge of our Prepared Childbirth Series in a unique way. Join our experienced childbirth educators for a 2 1/2 day weekend series at an area resort.
Offered quarterly. Cost and location may vary.
Boot Camp for Dads-to-Be: If you're expecting to be a new dad in the next few months, it's time for some basic training. This men-only workshop is fun, frank and eye opening. Babies and veteran dads help coach you through hands-on infant care and provide straight talk about fatherhood and changing family relationships.
September 11 and October 9, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Cost: $10.
Infant CPR and Safety (0-12 months old): In this information-packed class you will gain knowledge on product safety, how to protect infants from injury, and develop skills for handling emergency situations. For parents, grandparents and others.
September 22 and
October 19, from 7 to 10 pm. Cost: $20 per person; $35 per couple.
Child CPR and Safety (1-8 years old): This information-packed class offers information on how to protect kids from injury and develop skills for handling emergencies. For parents, grandparents and others who don't require licensure.
October 5, from 7 to 10 pm. Cost: $20 per person; $35 per couple.
Grandparents: Grandparenting is a new experience and a different role than any other. This class discusses the various grandparent roles within the family, changes in maternity care and current recommendations for baby care. An experienced grandmother and Childbirth Center nurse teach the class.
October 4, from 7 to
9 pm. Cost: $20 per household.
Refresher: In this class experienced expectant parents discuss previous labor experiences, labor coping methods, birth options, pain control methods, preparations for sibling adjustment and changes in family structure.
September 17 or October 15, from 7 to 10 pm.
Siblings: This tour and discussion of the Childbirth Center help 3 to 7 year olds feel a part of the action and excitement surrounding the birth of their new sister or brother. Topics help diffuse animosity and jealousy over the initial attention newborns receive and develop self-esteem and pride in their role as older brother or sister.
September 14 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm;
October 27, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Cost: $12 for the first child, $3 for each additional child.
Advance
Directives: Neurologist James Gordon, MD, discusses how to let your physician and loved ones know your wishes at the end of life.
September 9, from 1 to 3 pm.
Fall Prevention: Orthopedic surgeon William Gruber, MD, presents steps to reduce your risk of falling.
October 14, from 1 to 3 pm.
Heart Disease in Women: Cardiologist Margaret Hall, MD, presents information and answers questions on heart disease as it relates to women.
November 11, from
1 to 3 pm.
Prostate Cancer: Urologist Andre Godet, MD, discusses the causes and treatments for prostate cancer.
December 9, from 1 to 3pm.
To register for these classes, call 1-800-864-1190.
Community Events and
Health Classes
Childbirth and Parenting Classes
Northwest Health Partners & First
Choice Health Plan Present...
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