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(ARA) - Some medical issues are difficult to discuss, but in the case of prostate cancer - an often curable disease - talking can be a lifesaver. That’s why one of the leaders in the fight against prostate cancer offers an enhanced toll-free hotline for patients and their loved ones. The hotline is staffed by highly skilled registered nurses and health educators who counsel callers and answer questions, while referencing independent, clinical research. Callers can reach the hotline by dialing (800) 458-4372 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET).
Known as the TheraSeed Prostate Cancer Information Center, the hotline was created by Theragenics Corporation, a leading provider of brachytherapy treatment devices used to treat localized prostate cancer during a one-time, minimally invasive procedure (often referred to as “seeding”). This commonly used outpatient procedure lasts approximately 45 minutes, during which a physician implants rice-sized radioactive pellets into the prostate gland. The treatment offers cure rates comparable to surgery, yet works with a lower risk of incontinence and impotence. Understanding the full range of proven treatment options is crucial to surviving prostate cancer. And new long-term research is shedding more light on treatment choices all the time.
That’s why both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, working closely with Theragenics, recently adopted formal non-binding Resolutions calling on the federal government and all 50 states to encourage doctors to provide prostate cancer patients with the appropriate information necessary to understand the benefits and risks of all medically proven treatments, including brachytherapy.
One out of every six men is at risk of getting prostate cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. An estimated 230,000 new cases are diagnosed nationwide each year. Yet the disease is often curable if detected early and, therefore, education about screening and treatment options is critical.
Choosing the best treatment option is a personal decision that should be based on the state of the disease and how treatments may impact one’s quality of life. The education hotline helps patients and their loved ones obtain information that can help them make the right decision.
To advance patient education, Theragenics also has created two new educational brochures, “Straight Talk About Prostate Cancer Treatment” and “A Guide to Independent Clinical Studies.” Both are available, free of charge, to those contacting the call center or visiting www.theraseed.com.
Jerrold Sharkey, M.D., a leading urologist and prostate cancer researcher, stresses the importance of having access to information about prostate cancer. “Through the call center and education materials, men and their families can learn about treatment options and take a positive step in treating this pervasive disease.”
“Before making treatment decisions,” he added, “patients should learn about their options, so they don’t live with regret.”
The TheraSeed Prostate Cancer Information Center makes it possible to get valuable information about early detection and proven treatment of prostate cancer. Talking about all the treatment options can provide the best chance of recovery and a complete life.
Courtesy of ARA Content
