Sept. 24, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sarah Tiambeng, Zehnder Communications, (504) 962-3731, saraht@z-comm.com Columbus CyberKnife Offers Tips for Maintaining Prostate Health Westerville-based cancer center recognizes Prostate Cancer Awareness month WESTERVILLE, Ohio – In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Columbus CyberKnife aims to raise awareness of the disease and educate local men on treatment options. The cancer treatment center has treated nearly 30 men for prostate cancer this year using stereotactic body radiation therapy and recently assisted with screening more than 160 men at the 9th Annual American Male Wellness Walk. Dr. Douglas Widman, medical director of Columbus CyberKnife, recommends these steps to monitoring and maintaining one’s prostate health:

• Talk to your doctor. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Be proactive about education on the disease and check family history. Regular visits to the doctor can help maintain overall health and detect signs and symptoms of prostate cancer.

• Get active. Recent studies have shown that maintaining a healthy diet and exercising routinely

can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 53 percent.

• Compare treatment options. The right prostate cancer treatment option can vary for each patient depending on a number of factors, including the size of the tumor and the patient’s lifestyle. Men should research their options and seek medical advice.

“Understanding all prostate cancer treatment options is key for men who are diagnosed with the disease,” Dr. Widman said. “At Columbus CyberKnife, we have a group of cancer specialists from various backgrounds who collaborate to determine the best method of treatment for each patient. This multidisciplinary approach provides patients with guidance from a team of experts and helps them to make an informed treatment decision that best suits their needs.” Columbus CyberKnife treats prostate cancer and other conditions using the CyberKnife®, an advanced technology that provides SBRT. During treatment, high doses of radiation are delivered to tumors with submilimeter accuracy. The procedure is complete in five or fewer sessions and requires no incision or sedation. Patients typically experience few to no side effects and can return to their daily routines immediately following treatment. The American Society for Radiation for Oncology recently endorsed SBRT as a first-line treatment option for prostate cancer, establishing SBRT as a primary form of treatment for prostate cancer. ASTRO announced the decision after reviewing the results of long-term clinical trials supporting the safety and efficacy of SBRT. In these studies, patient outcomes with SBRT were consistent with other radiotherapy treatments.

Columbus CyberKnife is a service of Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital and is located at 495 Cooper Road, Suite 125 in Westerville, Ohio. For more information, call (614) 898-8300.

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