Radiation Therapy And Prostate Cancer

According to the Center For Disease Control, 29,554 men died from prostate cancer in 2003, making annual check-ups for men over 40 years of age vital. Lest you think the number of deaths due to prostate cancer low, you should know that according to the American Cancer Society 235,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006.

The survival rate of men with prostate cancer increases with early detection but the survival rate truly depends on one of two treatments:

• Surgical removal of the prostate gland, or
  
• Radiation therapy.
  

Of the two choices, most men opt for radiation therapy because they have a 50% chance of remaining potent (the ability to continue sexual intercourse) and a chance to have children later one.

As a radiation therapist, your job will be to help these men hold onto their dignity, provide hope for the future, and treat their illnesses.

To learn more about radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients, check out:

• Urology Health
  
• Family Doctor
  

Come back on Wednesday as we discuss how radiation therapy works.