Prostate Cancer on KVUE
Interviewer: This Father's Day, you'll give your dad cards, presents, and tell him how much you love him. But one of the greatest gifts you can give the man in your life is a reminder about his prostate health. Joining us this morning is Dr. Randy Fagin, Director of the Prostate Center of Austin.
Good morning sir, glad to have you here.
Dr. Fagin: Good morning.
Interviewer: Well, first of all, I know many men don't know anything about their prostate at all, is that true?
Dr. Fagin: Yeah, it's unusually, you know, prostate is one of those glands nobody knows much about. It helps with fertility, but that's about it. But it can hurt you, if you don't know how to keep it healthy.
Interviewer: Now, how do you keep it healthy?
Dr. Fagin: Well, it's very simple. When it comes to prostate health, it's really all about preventive maintenance. You know, unfortunately, guys think of our bodies like our cars; if it's not making noise, we don't think there's anything wrong. And when it comes to general men's health and prostate health in particular, it's important to do preventive maintenance.
For your prostate, that means getting a PSA and erectile exam done once a year, every single year. For your heart health, it means getting an EKG and basic blood work. These are minutes of your life that can literally save your life.
Interviewer: Now, I know a lot of people get concerned about prostate cancer. Can you tell us a little bit about that, the symptoms, what sort of symptoms people will experience?
Dr. Fagin: Unfortunately, prostate cancer has no symptoms. It is like many diseases, a completely silent disease. That means screening is the key. Right now, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men, second only to lung cancer.
But over 90 percent of cases can be cured if caught early enough. That means screening is the key.
Interviewer: Now, I know a lot of ads for Viagra and other drugs like that, that might actually keep some men from going and seeking treatment, is that correct?
Dr. Fagin: Well, sure, there is this fear that if we somehow injure our prostate gland or get treated for an issue, that is going to completely change our quality of life. And the reality is if you catch these diseases early, we can actually eliminate the chances or reduce the chances that are effecting your quality of life.
So if you catch it early and treat it early, your likelihood of returning to life, as you know it, is so much higher.
Interviewer: Now, you talk about returning to life as you know it; what are some of the treatments that can actually help with your prostate issues?
Dr. Fagin: Well, as it relates to prostate cancer, certainly, the highest standards of care right now are robotic surgery, my own area of specialty, as well as radiation. Those two treatments alone have made significant advances over the years, and allowing men to return to their normal level of function like we've never seen before.
Interviewer: And Doctor, any last-moment tips or advice for the guys out there?
Dr. Fagin: Absolutely. When it comes to your health, preventive maintenance is the key. Get your EKG, get your blood work, get your PSA, get your rectal exam; do these things once a year. In less the amount of time that it takes to change the oil on your car, you can make sure that the men in your life are healthy for another year to come.
Interviewer: All right. Dr. Randy Fagin, thank you so much for being with us this morning, we appreciate it.
Dr. Fagin: Thank you, my pleasure.