Originally my wife saw the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago Screening Event in the local paper. Now I am glad I receive your email reminder. How can you go wrong? Screening is quick, easy and free! I know there are pros and cons about the PSA test, that alone it is not 100%. But since this screening adds the physical examination (DRE), men get more of the facts we need each year. Some say screening for prostate cancer that might be slow growing is not important, but I am glad to have all the information possible to treat it early and effectively.
Review from Guidestar
I will always be grateful to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago (PCFC) and its Support Group for being available when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. They provided the optimism that this disease can be treated while preserving quality of life.
My introduction to prostate cancer began with my annual physical 2 months after my retirement. My physical prostate examination was unremarkable but for the first time my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) was elevated to 5.41 from the previous average of less than 2. My physician referred me to an urologist and a standard transrectal biopsy was performed. The results were negative but a follow-up PSA test in 6 months was recommended. My PSA rose to 9.95 within 6 months and my urologist referred me to Chicago Prostate Cancer Center (CPCC), which works hand-in-hand with the PCFC, for a stereotactic transperineal prostate biopsy. This more sophisticated mapping biopsy, which reaches all areas of the prostate, indicated aggressive disease. To verify that my disease was localized I had a bone scan, CAT scan and x rays. My urologist recommended surgical removal and hinted at possible follow up radiation. He indicated that my decision should not be delayed and suggested that a second opinion and a support group might be helpful.
I decided to attend a PCFC Support Group meeting and found a welcoming environment of unlimited information. I met former patients with similar diagnosis who were successfully treated and generously made themselves available for all of my questions. I subsequently met with Dr. Moran, Medical Director of the CPCC, and with further verification of my status devised a tri-modal treatment plan of anti-androgens, external beam radiation and brachytherapy. My therapy was completed thirteen months after my first elevated PSA and other than the pre-discussed short term side effects after surgery my life has returned to normal with continued PSA readings of less than 1 for the past 4 ½ years.
I still attend monthly PCFC support meetings--- which are also open to spouses and caregivers--- to keep up with research news about prostate cancer and offer my support and experience to other men facing prostate cancer.
Review from Guidestar
When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, my urologist recommended surgery. Besides facing several weeks of recovery, I was extremely scared of the potential bowel and urinary-tract complications. But after thorough research, I learned that Chicago Prostate Cancer Center (CPCC) has an excellent success rate with brachytherapy (or seed implant) that treats only the cancerous portion of the prostate. I was fully active the day after the procedure, with only temporary, negligible side effects. I continue to learn about prostate cancer by participating in the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago (PCFC) Support Group, which meets monthly at the CPCC. I highly recommend that any man diagnosed with prostate cancer know all of his options before deciding on a course of treatment.
I have since become a contributor and volunteer board member of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago. Prostate cancer screening is very important. PCFC provides free prostate cancer screening each September during Prostate Cancer Awareness month. Internationally recognized PCFC research, conducted hand-in-hand with CPCC, makes prostate cancer treatment advances possible. PCFC outreach ranges from community and corporate wellness presentations to clinical publications and lectures for medical professionals, and supports PCFC’s mission to raise awareness of prostate-cancer detection and treatment options.