Innovative technology to treat prostate cancer

September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, emphasizing the importance of early detection and advanced treatment options.

Too many people know the impact of a father, son, brother or friend being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Just this year, according to the American Cancer Society, nearly 300,000 American men will be diagnosed and about 35,000 people will lose their lives to the diease, making prostate cancer the second leading cause of cancer death for men.

The American Cancer Society estimates 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer in 2024 and around 35,250 deaths related to the disease. The numbers are slightly higher than in 2023 when the American Cancer Society estimated 288,300 new cases and 34,700 deaths.

One of the most crucial messages of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is the significance of early detection. Unlike many other cancers, prostate cancer often progresses silently, displaying no symptoms in its early stages. The power of early detection cannot be overstated, as it can substantially enhance the chances of successful treatments.

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Several factors contribute to an individual’s risk, including age, family history, race/ethnicity and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about your risk and screening guidelines.

In Seattle, Swedish CyberKnife is paving the way with a unique system designed to compensate for patient and tumor motion. CyberKnife provides a noninvasive, precise and innovative radiation treatment option.

This cutting-edge technology utilizes an advanced robotic system to track even the slightest body movements. CyberKnife is the first and only radiotherapy device that brings true robotic precision and the ability to track, detect and correct for tumor motion in real-time. Accurate and precise delivery helps minimize radiation exposure to healthy surrounding tissue while lessening the risks of side effects.

“It (CyberKnife) is more affordable, less invasive and has minimal side effects compared to other treatments,” Radiation Oncologist Dr. Robert Meier said via Swedish’s website.

The CyberKnife treatment is notably shorter than traditional radiation therapies, which can span six to nine weeks. Instead, patients typically complete their treatment in just five treatment sessions, each lasting less than an hour.

“Learning you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer is a life-changing moment,” Meier said. “Here at Swedish Medical Center, we have the most advanced prostate cancer team in the Northwest to help you win the fight against cancer.”

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is incredibly important to do your research about all treatments. We highly recommend reaching out to Swedish CyberKnife to see if treatment is an option for you. The dedicated staff is eager to provide information about CyberKnife and the steps to scheduling a consultation with one of their providers.

To learn more about CyberKnife, visit Swedish’s website or call 206-320-7187.

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