Prostate Cancer Awareness is the second-most diagnosed cancer among men in the United States, but a lack of information can allow this highly treatable disease to grow unchecked. Dr. Renee Warford, a urologist at the CHI St. Vincent Urology Clinic in Hot Springs, provides clarity on some of the most common misconceptions about prostate cancer.

Does prostate cancer screening involve any invasive tests?
“The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening is a simple blood test given by a primary care physician. Some of the more advanced screenings are urine tests.”

If I feel fine and don’t have any symptoms, why should I get screened?
“It’s important that people know that prostate cancer does not present with any symptoms unless it’s already at an advanced stage. Early detection is the key.”

After screening, how do I know if a visit with a urologist is needed?
“My patients usually come after they have been given a PSA test by their primary care provider. Based on the test results, they’ll be referred to us for further discussion if needed.”

Do all patients who have their prostate gland removed experience erectile dysfunction and incontinence?
“The longer that we’ve had robotic surgery, we’ve gotten better at nerve-sparing and these results improve every year. As far as incontinence goes, almost everybody leaks early on but within a year, over 90 percent of patients are dry.”

How have improvements in robotic surgery impacted the treatment and recovery for prostate cancer patients?
“I think robotic surgery is now the standard of care for a radical prostatectomy. It provides quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays for patients. They typically go home the next day after their procedure.”

To learn more about prostate cancer, treatment options and other urology problems treated by CHI St. Vincent’s team of urologists, visit: chistvincent.com/urology