Prostate Cancer

Awareness and treatment of prostate cancer have improved greatly over the last 20 years. Today, nearly 3 million men in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with the disease are leading longer and more active lives.

At CHI Saint Joseph Health, we’re committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to the Lexington and Central Kentucky communities we serve. Learn more about our comprehensive care below. To request a referral to a cancer specialist, call 844.303.9355 or find a urologist online.

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in males located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate show a highly abnormal growth pattern. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop from the gland cells that make the prostate fluid that is added to the semen.

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. Prostate cancer is mostly diagnosed in men over age 65 and becomes increasingly common with advancing age. It also is more common in African-American men than in Caucasian, Hispanic or Asian-American men.

Fortunately, most prostate cancers are slow growing, easily diagnosed and highly treatable.

Prevention

While there’s no proven strategy to prevent prostate cancer, there are some ways you may help lower your risk. Start by understanding the prostate cancer risk factors that may affect you, and some simple ways you can promote your good health. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, including a father or brother with the disease, we also offer complementary genetic cancer counseling to address concerns.

Detection

Because prostate cancer often develops slowly, many men do not notice any symptoms in the early stages, when it’s easiest to treat. If you’re over 50, CHI Saint Joseph Health recommends annual prostate cancer screenings to help you stay on top of your health. Our urologists perform these quick and routine tests right in the office. If we find anything abnormal, we’ll also arrange follow-up tests, including the latest in ultrasound-guided biopsy.

Treatment

If you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer, rest assured you’re in highly skilled and caring hands. Our multi-skilled team will work closely with you to create a cancer treatment plan tailored to your needs and preferences. We offer the most advanced technology available, like the Versa HD accelerator, which delivers high-dose, highly-precise radiation to kill cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue, as well as the da Vinci robotic prostatectomy for less pain and faster recovery. All treatments are designed to help protect the delicate nerves that control urinary and sexual function. 

Support 

Throughout your journey, you’ll find a variety of cancer support services to meet your physical, emotional, spiritual and financial needs. That includes ongoing Us TOO Prostate Cancer Support Groups, as well as a supportive cancer team to help coordinate your care, connect you to valuable resources and answer any questions.

To make your appointment, find a cancer specialist anytime online or learn more about our dedicated team at a CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care location near you:

• Flaget Memorial Hospital—Bardstown
• Saint Joseph East—Lexington
• Saint Joseph Hospital—Lexington
• Saint Joseph London
• Saint Joseph Mount Sterling