THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 29, 1994 TAG: 9409280211
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
Examinations for the early detection of prostate cancer will be available today and Friday at Obici Hospital as part of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Week.
The exams, the most effective and efficient method for detecting prostate cancer at an early stage, are particularly important if you are at high risk.
``The high-risk people are those who are a member of a family with a history of prostate cancer and/or black males,'' Dr. Robert R. Harrell said.
Only 31 percent of the 298 people who showed up for testing in 1993 were African-Americans.
``Lung cancer is No. 1 in Suffolk,'' Harrell said. ``Prostate cancer is No. 2.''
Of the 311 cases of cancer in Suffolk last year, 46 were prostate.
To lower that number, ``People at high risk should start taking these tests when they turn 40 and do them yearly,'' Harrell said. ``Others should start at 50 and follow the same pattern.''
The minute-long tests are simple - a digital rectal examination and a blood test.
Those tests are important because prostate cancer, if unchecked, could prove fatal.
Since 1989, when the first round of mass screenings took place, researchers have noted the first signs of a turnaround in the number of cases of prostate cancer that are now detected in the early, and potentially curable, stages.
``About 10 years ago, almost half of all diagnosed cases (in the United States) were advanced and incurable,'' said Dr. E. David Crawford, Prostate Cancer Education Council chairman and associate director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. ``By contrast, in 1993 almost 60 percent of diagnosed cases were localized and potentially curable.''
He credits early detection, adding that ``because we have no cure for advanced prostate cancer, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.''
To emphasize the importance of early detection, pictures and statements by retired U.S. Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf will be seen around the country.
He underwent surgery for prostate cancer several months ago, noting that ``early detection made all the difference in the world.''
Once detected, treatment options are available including surgery, radiation therapy and follow-up observation.
``The screening tells you that you may have prostate cancer or that you're a candidate,'' Harrell said. ``The diagnosis is confirmed after a prostate biopsy which can be done as an outpatient.'' MEMO: Prostate cancer tests will be done at Obici Hospital from 5 to 8 p.m.
today and Saturday as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. To
schedule an exam, call 934-4999.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Dr. Robert Harrell examines an X-ray in his office. ``People at high
risk should start taking these tests when they turn 40 and do them
yearly,'' said Harrell, who is responsible for the prostate cancer
screening at Obici.
by CNB