Take the Test: Prostate Cancer Prevention Begins Here

Many men think prostate cancer begins with an extra trip to the bathroom at night or a lingering back ache, but the reality is prostate cancer can strike without a single symptom. As the most common cancer among men (other than non-melanoma skin cancer), preventative care for prostate cancer should be taken seriously.  

This September, for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd are encouraging men between the ages of 55 and 69 to talk with their doctor about a simple blood test known as the prostate specific antigen test, commonly referred to as PSA. Early detection is not only possible, it’s powerful. This screening test often catches the disease before it spreads, resulting in a five-year survival rate of 97.5%. Following through on recommended screenings could mean the difference between catching cancer early and facing a much tougher battle.

At Harbin Clinic, early detection starts with a conversation. Our physicians take time to understand each patient’s unique risk factors, such as age, family history and race, and recommend when the PSA screening is appropriate. 

When the news is difficult: 

If a test comes back affirming a cancer diagnosis, patients are embraced by a multidisciplinary team at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center. The care team works together to customize a care plan focusing on more than just a patient’s diagnosis. They fine-tune a whole-person care plan, individualized to each patient’s personal needs. 

“Early detection can make all the difference. If a patient’s screening lab test is abnormal, your doctor will likely recommend an MRI and/or possibly a biopsy. The biopsy is an office-based procedure performed by the urologist using an ultrasound. The biopsy is needed to diagnose prostate cancer and to determine the cancer’s level of aggression. Newer technologies, such as PSMA PET scans, are often used if the biopsy is positive to evaluate for the spread of cancer outside the prostate,” said Harbin Clinic Urologist Dr. Robert Williams. 

Our approach includes:

• Advanced diagnostics – These determine the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. 

• Minimally invasive surgical options – Surgery may reduce recovery time and discomfort. 

• Radiation therapy – We tailor this therapy to each patient’s specific needs. 

• Medical management and active surveillance  

• Comprehensive oncology support – We ensure greater comfort and care throughout the journey. 

• Access to advanced clinical trials – Physicians consider the most advanced research to fit the needs of each patient. 

From oncology to imaging to treatment, the doctors, nurses and specialists at Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd are on the same page, working together for your success. 

Walking Beside You 

Facing cancer can feel overwhelming, but with the Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd cancer care team, no one walks alone. As northwest Georgia’s largest and longest-serving cancer care provider, we bring years of expertise, experience and collaboration to every patient’s care. This September, take preventative care seriously. Make an appointment today. Visit https://harbinclinic.com/location/urology-rome/.