Dr. Robert Cowles, III
The Cowles Clinic
706-454-0100
For Putnam General Hospital: Lindsey Hydrick
706-923-2028
LHydrick@putnamgeneral.com
INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVE TO
PROSTATE CANCER SURGERY NOW AVAILABLE
EATONTON, Ga. (September 21, 2006)— Putnam General Hospital is pleased to announce the availability of an innovative new treatment for prostate cancer that helps to significantly preserve the patient’s quality of life. The procedure, known as “brachytherapy,” involves the surgical implantation of radioactive “seeds” into the prostate gland. The seeds -- typically 80-120 seeds in an average procedure -- are delivered through hollow needles under ultrasound visualization and this procedure, unlike prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate gland), can usually be performed on an outpatient basis.
The most innovative type of brachytherapy is available locally at Putnam General Hospital and is preformed by Dr. Robert Cowles of The Cowles Clinic. The approach is highly accurate and delivers maximum effectiveness of the radiation in eliminating the tumor while minimizing side effects that often result from surgery, such as impotence and incontinence.
“This demonstrates one form of therapy that is now available in the local area thanks to the new Total Cancer Center at the Cowles Clinic,” said Dr. Robert Cowles. “I am very pleased to say that this marks the beginning of many other cancer treatments that will now be offered at the Cowles Clinic and Putnam General Hospital. Modern and compassionate care for cancer patients, delivered locally, has always been one of my goals, and I am so pleased that we have been able to partner with Putnam General Hospital in this new cancer therapy.”
During the year 2004, over 225,000 men were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States. Although this disease is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in males, the 5-year survival rate if the cancer is detected in its early stages is nearly 100%.
Brachytherapy involves a team of Specialists (urologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists) who work in concert to determine in advance the radiation dosage and exact number of seeds required for the patient, as well as the precise placement of the seeds. We believe that this approach helps ensure that our brachytherapy patients are well informed throughout the diagnostic and treatment process, and have the advantage of becoming active participants in their own therapy.
“This is a wonderful new alternative for our patients with prostate cancer, and we’re very excited to join with Dr. Cowles to be the first in this area to offer this approach,” said Celia Covington, RN, Operating Room Director at Putnam General Hospital.
All men should have annual Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests and physical checkups, recommended at age 50 and, for men at higher risk, beginning at age 45. “High risk” patients include African-Americans and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
To learn more about this exciting alternative approach to treating prostate cancer, call The Cowles Clinic at 706-454-0100 or Putnam General Hospital at 706-485-2711, Ext. 351.
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