S POT L I GHT
Treating
prostate cancer
D I D YOU KNOW?
Medicare now reimburses for
CyberKnife prostate treatment.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer
among men in the United States after nonmelanoma skin
cancer, and is the third-leading cause of cancer-related
deaths. Prostate cancer is often a slow-growing cancer
and is typically detected early, making it easier to treat.
Currently, CyberKnife is most frequently used as a single
treatment for patients with early stage cancer that is
confined to the prostate.
Prostate cancer can be a challenge for physicians to treat
since the prostate moves unpredictably as air passes through
the rectum and as the bladder empties and fills. CyberKnife
treatment can help overcome this challenge by continually
checking and compensating for any movements during
treatment. This allows the radiation to zero in on the tumor
and helps reduce damage to healthy tissue.
During the treatment, a patient can lie down and breathe
normally while the doctor performs the procedure. As a
result, CyberKnife is more comfortable for patients and is
typically performed on an outpatient basis over a period of
one to five days, requiring no overnight hospital stays.
CYBE RKN I F E
A noninvasive
alternative to surgery
R ECE I V I NG A CANCE R D I AGNOS I S
can be a
frightening time in one’s life. Fromnavigating insurance to
treatment options, everything that needs to be addressed may
seem overwhelming. Fortunately, a noninvasive alternative
to surgery is offering a new hope to patients in Longview and
Vancouver.
CyberKnife can be used to treat tumors, both cancerous
and noncancerous, anywhere in the body including the
prostate, lung, brain, and spine. Though the name may
evoke images of scalpels and surgery, the treatment
involves no cutting.
Unlike surgery, CyberKnife does not remove tumors
or lesions, but delivers a precise dose of radiation that
destroys tumor cells, while minimizing exposure and
damage to healthy tissue. It provides a pain-free,
nonsurgical option for patients with complex or
inoperable tumors or those who may be looking for an
alternative to surgery.
The radiation beams from CyberKnife adjust in real
time to a patient’s breathing cycle. Many tumors, even
when their movement has been restricted, continue to
move during treatment delivery. CyberKnife’s advanced
robotic technology and ability to track tumor movement
throughout the treatment allow it to deliver radiation
with extreme accuracy, which means less damage to
surrounding healthy tissues. Its unique features allow for
treatments that are tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Talk to your doctor to see if CyberKnife treatment
is right for you and visit
www.peacehealth.org/
southwest/cyberknife
to learn more.
TALK WITH A
DOCTOR
CyberKnife
treatment
for prostate
cancer
When:
Wednesday, April 16,
6 to 8 p.m.
Where:
The Heathman
Lodge
Info:
CyberKnife treatment
for prostate cancer is now
covered by Medicare. Learn
more about CyberKnife and
other advanced treatment
options for prostate cancer.
Enjoy dinner and a glass of
wine…on us!
Michael Myers, MD
Radiation Oncology
PeaceHealth Medical
Group Oncology
8821 NE 5th St.
Vancouver, WA 98664
360-514-1900
Heal th
news
3
Regular screening = better health
According to
Men’s Fitness
, men should
begin having annual screenings for prostate
cancer in their 40s. If you are over 45 or
if you have concerns about your prostate
health, talk with your doctor.
Starting March 1, you
can schedule a same-
day appointment at
PeaceHealth Urgent Care
at the Memorial Urgent
Care Center by calling
360-696-5232
.
Did you know?
