In the News
Prostate Cancer Survivor/Urologist Larry L. Bans, M.D. Introduces The Comprehensive Prostate Program
Advanced Program to Monitor Prostate Health
PHOENIX (September 7, 2005) - Larry L. Bans, M.D., a prostate cancer survivor and founder of Prostate Solutions of Arizona, announced today The Comprehensive Prostate Program - an aggressive approach to detecting and treating prostate cancer. Going beyond the current Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) relied upon by the medical community, The Comprehensive Prostate Program utilizes state-of-the-art technology and progressive thinking to establish an advanced standard of care for monitoring prostate health.
Dr. Bans explains, "The program goal is to establish baselines with patients and follow changes in one's prostate health over time so that the disease may be detected and treated early." Dr. Bans continued, "The Program aspects are similar conceptually to breast cancer screenings with annual mammography. Physicians have learned that changes from year to year are important in the early detection of breast cancer."
Several recent advances in medical imaging techniques may detect early stages of cancer. Dr. Bans uses state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment utilizing color-flow Doppler technology. In some cases, this technology can detect cancers in deeper regions of the prostate. In addition, endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with spectroscopy promises to be beneficial in the diagnosis of prostate cancer as well as aiding in treatment plan options.
It is estimated that prostate cancer will affect one in six American men. About 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually and about 30,000 men die of the disease each year. This makes it the second leading cause of cancer death in men behind lung cancer. Men with a family history of cancer or high-risk ethnic backgrounds are advised to receive examinations starting at age 40. September has been designated as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
As part of The Comprehensive Prostate Program, the patient's PSA Velocity, PSA Density, Prostate Anatomy and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) will be tracked over time. This will aid in further evaluation, or interventions, as needed. More importantly, it is a flexible program that can be modified to best serve the needs of each individual patient.
About Larry L. Bans, M.D., Prostate Solutions of Arizona
Dr. Larry Bans has been diagnosing and treating prostate cancer for over 25 years. In February of 2004 he opened Prostate Solutions of Arizona, which is solely dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant disorders of the prostate, including prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, an enlargement of the prostate), and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). Prostate Solutions of Arizona is located at 2525 E. Arizona Biltmore Circle, Suite C236, Phoenix, AZ 85016. For information, please call (602) 426-9772 or visit our Web site at www.psa.md
Prostate Cancer High-Risk Factors:
Family History of Prostate Cancer
• If one brother has prostate cancer your risk is 2x average
• If one brother and your father have prostate cancer, your risk is 5x average
• If two brothers and father (or three brothers) have prostate cancer, your risk is 11x average
African-Americans
• African-Americans have a higher incidence of prostate cancer compared to Caucasians
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