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The Choice for Saving Lives

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Prostate cancer is literally killing Georgia’s men

EDITOR:


Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in men behind lung cancer. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, even with limitations, is the best screening method we have today along with the DRE (digital rectal exam). Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of non-urological/oncological experts who review medical evidence for the government, published an open draft recommendation indicating men should stop routine PSA blood tests, which help to screen for prostate cancer. It is my opinion that such a carte blanche recommendation is both regressive and unfortunate.

Notwithstanding the aggressiveness or non-aggressiveness of prostate cancer, men should not be denied the knowledge of knowing a malignancy may reside within them. With such knowledge, each man can make an informed decision as to how to manage his condition. This option to choose should not be dictated by a 16-member, government-sponsored panel. The patient should make such decision in the comfort of his home, surrounded by love ones.

My response to this drafted recommendation from the task force is in the wake of seeing a 40-year-old asymptomatic African-American male in my office last week with an aggressive prostate cancer. He presented to an astute primary care physician who ordered a routine PSA, which was 5.5. If this gentleman does not receive prompt therapy, it is highly likely he will die of his disease. How would your proposed recommendations help this young man delay death from his cancer?


James B. Benton, M.D.

Radiation oncologist, Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia

Lecture Series – Updated Cure Rates

Open to anyone interested in learning more about prostate cancer and treatments.
 
Presenter:          Dr. Frank Critz

                                
Topic:               Updated Cure Rates


Lecture Series – Behind the Scenes

Open to anyone interested in learning more about prostate cancer and treatments.

 
Presenter:          Dr. Fred Schnell

                                
Topic:                Behind the Scenes


Lecture Series – Understanding Your Pathology Report

Open to anyone interested in learning more about prostate cancer and treatments.
 

Presenter:          Dr. Mark Merlin              
                                
Topic:                Understanding Your Pathology Report

Lecture Series – Side Effects (of ProstRcision®)

Open to anyone interested in learning more about prostate cancer and treatments.

 


Presenter:          Dr. James Benton  

                                
Topic:                 Side Effects (of ProstRcision®)  

Prostate Cancer Continues to Kill Men in Georgia and Throughout the US, and Early Detection by the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test Has Been Shown in the Literature to Save Lives

ATLANTA, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in men behind lung cancer. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, even with limitations, is the best screening method we have today along with the DRE (digital rectal exam). Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a panel of non Urological/Oncological experts who review medical evidence for the government, published an open draft recommendation indicating men should stop routine PSA blood tests which help to screen for prostate cancer. It is my opinion that such a carte blanche recommendation is both regressive and unfortunate.

Notwithstanding the aggressiveness or non aggressiveness of prostate cancer, men should not be denied the knowledge of knowing a malignancy may reside within them. With such knowledge, each man can make an informed decision as to how to manage his condition. This option to choose should not be dictated by a 16 member government-sponsored panel. The patient should make such decision in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loved ones.

My response to this draft recommendation from the USPSTF is in the wake of recently seeing a 40 Y/O asymptomatic African American male in my office last week with an aggressive prostate cancer. He presented to an astute primary care physician who ordered a routine PSA which was 5.5. If this gentleman does not receive prompt therapy, it is highly likely he will die of his disease. How would the proposed recommendations help this young man delay death from his cancer?

James B. Benton, M.D.
Radiation Oncologist
Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, a Vantage Oncology affiliate


SOURCE James B. Benton, M.D., Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia

Lecture Series – History of ProstRcision®

Open to anyone interested in learning more about prostate cancer and treatments.

 


Presenter:          Dr. Frank Critz  

                                
Topic:                  History of ProstRcision®


Lecture Series – IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy)

Open to anyone interested in learning more about prostate cancer and treatments.
 

Presenter:          Bobby Barnett, Medical Physicist

                                
Topic:                 IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy)


Lecture Series – PSA Bounce

Open to anyone interested in learning more about prostate cancer and treatments.

 
Presenter:          Dr. Philip Shrake    

                          
Topic:                 PSA Bounce                               

Lecture Series – Image Guided Radiation Therapy

Open to anyone interested in learning more about prostate cancer and treatments.

 
Presenter:          Dr. Mark Merlin

                                
Topic:                 Image Guided Radiation Therapy 


Radiotherapy Clinic Expands Close By

Snellville (Nov 1, 2011) – Cancer patients in the Loganville and Grayson area have a new larger radiotherapy facility close by in Snellville to help them with their treatment needs. The Snellville location of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia recently had a grand opening to showcase its new building.

“We may be expanding to a new building, but it will be the same great care. Just with new state-of-the-art technology,” said John Gargus, M.D., medical director of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia – Snellville. 

The new facility incorporates TrueBeam Technology, an FDA approved radiotherapy technology that members of the clinic say allows doctors to optimize treatments using incredible accuracy. The clinic has also decided to revert to its original name.

“Returning to the name ‘Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia’ reinforces our dedication to providing quality radiation therapy to those suffering with cancer,” said Frank Critz, M.D., founder and medical director of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia.  “While our name has changed, our commitment to serving the needs of our local communities remains the same.”

Gargus will continue to lead the new facility as its resident radiation oncologist. He was previously a radiation oncologist with Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia Lawrenceville and rejoined the organization in June as medical director for the Snellville sites. Gargus has practiced radiation oncology in Gwinnett County for the past 15 years.  

With five locations in Georgia including the new Snellville facility, Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia is convenient and close to home.  To learn more about Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia, or to learn more about the new Snellville location, visit http://www.rcog.com/.