Skilled Prostate Cancer Care at Mary Washington Healthcare available in
Fredericksburg & Stafford
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause
of cancer death among men in the United States. Prostate cancer usually
grows very slowly, and finding and treating it before symptoms occur may
not improve men's health or help them live longer.
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably.
The prostate is a gland found only in males. It makes some of the fluid
that is part of semen.
The prostate is below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The size
of the prostate changes with age. In younger men, it is about the size
of a walnut, but it can be much larger in older men.
Just behind the prostate are glands called seminal vesicles that make most
of the fluid for semen. The urethra, which is the tube that carries urine
and semen out of the body through the penis, goes through the center of
the prostate.
Prostate Cancer Screening Tools
We recommend that men have their first screening exam at age 50.
The tests used for screening include:
DRE (digital rectal examinations)
PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
If these test results are unusual, your physician may have the tests repeated
or have an ultrasound requested.
SpaceOAR Treatment for Prostate Cancer Minimizes Side Effects During Radiation Therapy.
Find Out More.
Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
High-energy rays (such as X-rays) and particles (such as electrons and
protons) are used to kill cancer cells. In order to treat an advanced
stage of the disease and shrink the tumor’s size, radiation therapy
may be employed. The two main types are external beam radiation and brachytherapy
(internal radiation).
Surgery for Prostate Cancer
We offer two convenient locations, with surgical options at each. Mary
Washington Hospital is a 437-bed tertiary care center located in Fredericksburg,
Virginia. Stafford Hospital is a 100-bed community based hospital located
just south of North Stafford.
Surgical options include the following:
Prostatectomy
Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
Cryotherapy
Both Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals offer traditional prostatectomy.
This procedure is performed by experienced, board-certified urology surgeons,
many of whom are also fellowship-trained.
Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Chemotherapy is rarely the primary therapy for men with prostate cancer,
but it may be used when prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate
gland, especially if hormone therapy is no longer effective. Your medical
oncologist will determine how long and how often chemotherapy treatments
are necessary, if at all.
Hormone therapy is an alternative option for patients. Male hormones such
as testosterone cause prostate cancer cells to grow. The reduction of
hormone levels can sometimes make the prostate cancer shrink or slow its
growth. The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the level of male hormones
in the body. Hormone therapy isn’t a cure for cancer, but is often
used in the treatment of those whose cancer has recurred or spread after
treatment.
We Are Here to Help
For more information or to talk with a Cancer Nurse Navigator, please call
540.741.1211.
Our Cancer Nurse Navigators can help with:
Answering questions and providing educational materials on cancer and specific
types of cancer
Explaining your diagnosis and treatment, every step of the way
Emotional support, including one-on-one time, and recommendations for counseling services
Expedited scheduling and coordinating of diagnostic test and physician
appointments
Coordination on your plan of care between your primary care and oncology
physicians
Access to clinical trials
Recommendations on resources for nutrition, rehabilitation, transportation,
support groups, financial assistance, and spiritual and emotional guidance
Making important connections with community support services and resources
Survivorship support
For more information, or to talk with a Cancer Nurse Navigator, please call
540.741.1211.
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