New York, NY, Sept. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jamaican headlines recently highlighted a growing concern among urologists there about prostate cancer diagnosis. A prominent topic at the symposium of the Jamaican Cancer Society and the Jamaican Urological Society, current prostate cancer diagnostics in Jamaica may fall short, particularly when compared to the more thorough approach in the U.S.
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Dr. David Samadi, Chairman of Urology, Chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, is a strong proponent of the early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. In the U.S., prostate cancer screening protocol starts with annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests. When elevated levels are detected, a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate biopsy follow. In Jamaica, however, a transrectal ultrasound is more commonly used to explore an elevated PSA level.
"Incomplete analysis of elevated PSA levels can lead to dangerous delays in treatment," cautioned Dr. Samadi. "Transrectal ultrasound provides very limited data. The prostate biopsy and DRE detail much more about a man's condition, the status of his prostate cancer, and the likelihood of progression."
Jamaican men have the unfortunate distinction of living in a country where prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Urologist there worry that men are delaying prostate cancer treatment as the result of limited data, ill advice from their general physicians, or lack of understanding about the risks.
Commending the Jamaica urologists, Dr. Samadi said, "These doctors aren't letting budgets or a good-enough mentality get in the way. Pushing for the patient's best interest is often what it takes to elevate medical care."
Dr. Samadi is well versed in innovative medicine. As a world-renowned robotic prostate surgeon he revolutionized prostate cancer surgery with a custom SMART (Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique) procedure. More than 5,000 patients are living proof of the success of his minimally invasive robotic prostate removal surgery.
"This is a serious health issue for Jamaican men whose prostate cancer mortality rate is among the highest worldwide," stressed Dr. Samadi. "These men are just one example of how limited access to quality healthcare, both in diagnostics and treatment, contributes to a serious world health issue," Dr. Samadi stated.
At the Lenox Hill Hospital Prostate Cancer Center, Dr. Samadi is dedicated to supporting international urologist and surgeons in the fight against prostate cancer. Patients travelling to the U.S. for prostate cancer surgery receive one-on-one support from Dr. Samadi and his knowledgeable team. Jamaican men and other international patients are welcomed to New York City and assisted with everything from travel arrangements to treatment decisions and post-surgery care.
Learn more at www.roboticoncology.com or by calling Dr. Samadi at 212-365-5000.
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
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