August 4, 2010

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1. Has there been an increase in the rate of prostate cancer diagnoses within the past 10-20 years? If so, to what might you attribute this change?

The incidence of prostate cancer has increased over the last 20 years; this is due to both increased awareness and increased screening. Although there has been recent controversy surrounding overly aggressive treatment of prostate cancer, urologists all agree that annual screening is an important component to men’s health.

2. What is the survival rate for prostate cancer sufferers? Are there any ways a cancer patient can increase their odds of survival? Are there any ways for men to prevent prostate cancer?

Strictly speaking, the survival rate for prostate cancer is roughly 90 percent. New diagnosis of prostate cancer cases in the United States is roughly 300,000 men annually; death rates are around 30,000 annually. Early detection is the key to survival with annual PSA blood tests and prostate exams for men over 40. Prostate cancer diagnosed in its early stage is most often curable. Prevention strategies for prostate cancer include frequent exercise, healthy diet with high levels of anti-oxidants. Recent studies have focused on plant extracts from broccoli and soy as preventive against prostate cancer.

3. Are prostate cancer survivors able to enjoy a healthy and active sex life during or after their recovery?

This depends on the treatment the patient chooses. Surgery to remove the prostate will make sex difficult for at least 6 weeks and up to many months post-operatively. Radiation therapy can cause men to feel fatigued and have diminished libido during therapy. Once treatment has finished, men in both groups – surgery and radiation therapy – may suffer some sexual dysfunction but there are many effective treatment options to improve sexuality post-therapy.

4. What are some other common urological problems, both for men and for women?

For men, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and low testosterone are very common and very treatable conditions. Kidney stones are common and a source of significant pain and inconvenience for men. Urologic cancers including prostate, kidney, bladder and testicular are all conditions urologists routinely treat. In women, urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are very common and women often do not know where to seek treatment. Urologists can provide comprehensive, clinically advanced treatment for those conditions.

5. What are your top tips for getting and staying healthy, urologically?

Urologic health is really no different from overall health. Regular vigorous exercise, healthy diet, limiting simple sugar and fat, increasing lean protein and drinking plenty of water are all good health strategies. Avoid soda and sports drinks; these lead to obesity and unnecessary sugar and electrolytes in all consumers but elite athletes. People should drink enough water that their urine is white to pale yellow. This prevents kidney stones.

About Dr. Jesse Mills:   TUCC.com

Jesse N. Mills earned a bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, in Russian language and literature from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Mills studied graduate level molecular nutrition at the University of Missouri. Dr. Mills earned his medical doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Medicine. He then completed his internship and residency in general surgery as well as his residency in urology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Dr. Mills is an active member of the American Urological Association, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Sexual Medicine Society of North America, Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, Rocky Mountain Urological Society and South Central Section of the AUA. He is fluent in French, Russian, and Spanish.  At TUCC Dr. Mills specializes in all aspects of Male Sexual Dysfunction and Fertility.

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