Time for a prostate check

By: News 8 Austin Staff
DATE: September 2, 2004

One of every six men will develop prostate cancer.

As part of prostate awareness month, a group of Austin doctors is pushing the message that early detection can equal a cure.

Detection is as simple as a certain blood test.

And new laparoscopic prostate surgery can make treatment much simpler than ever before.

The surgeon makes five small cuts in the abdomen to insert a small probe and magnifying camera.

"It allows us to do many things better than we did with open surgery. And for the patient it allows us to have a fast surgery with a 23-hour recovery, quick return of urinary control, outstanding cancer outcomes, less blood loss. It's all the things we love about surgery without all the things we don't love about surgery," Dr. Randy Fagin said.

Experts suggest every man over 50 have a yearly prostate-specific antigen, PSA, test and rectal exam. Black men, or those with a family history, should start at 40.

"Right now my PSA is .05. No cancer cells visisble. It has not only given me hope, but a chance for a new life," patient Leibel Harelik said.

A group of Austin doctors will offer free prostate cancer awareness seminars Sept. 11-25. Visit urologyteam.com for times and locations.

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