Prostate Cancer Video Launched Today Helps Men

Understand the Importance of Treatment Choice on
Relationships
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Prostate Cancer Video Launched Today Helps Men Understand the Importance of Treatment Choice on Relationships

LONDON, April 8, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- The Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group has released a video
entitled `Prostate Brachytherapy....because relationships matter' to
highlight the impact that treatment choice may have on relationships.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/pbag/40802/

The video follows three men, diagnosed with localised prostate
cancer in their late forties and their early 50s, who have had to face
life-changing decisions. All three men opted for prostate brachytherapy, a
minimally invasive procedure which has the same high cure rate as surgery,
but less risk of impotence and incontinence.(1)

The video highlights the importance of access to reliable
information on treatment options and their side effects, and the impact that
treatment choice may have on relationships, in particular, sexual function.

As Graham Robson, one of the men featured in the film,
explains. "I was separated when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but I
was hoping to be in a relationship again soon. My doctor advised me to have
surgery and warned me that I may be left impotent and incontinent. At the
time, I was just focused on staying alive and, if that meant that I would not
be able to have sex again, then that was the price to pay. So when I heard
about prostate brachytherapy, the relief was incredible. I mean, when exactly
would you tell a new girlfriend that you were impotent - on the first date?"

"Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is extremely traumatic
and often the first reaction of many men and, indeed, many doctors, is to
have a radical prostatectomy to remove the prostate," comments Professor
Stephen Langley, Chair of the Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group and
Professor of Urology at St Luke's Cancer Centre, Guildford. "For some men,
this may be the best option, but for those with localised prostate cancer
then prostate brachytherapy is a very effective treatment."

Prostate brachytherapy is usually performed as a day case
procedure and most patients go home the same or following day and return to
work a few days later. The treatment involves implanting tiny radioactive
seeds, under general anesthetic, directly into the prostate gland using fine
needles.

Explains Rick Popert, Consultant Urologist, Guy's & St Thomas'
NHS Foundation Trust, "Patients are often unaware that radical prostatectomy
is still a major operation and, even with the latest techniques, nerve damage
can occur. This, unfortunately, can leave a man impotent and incontinent,
which may recover over time, but equally may not."

Prostate Brachytherapy...because relationships matter can be viewed at
http://www.prostatebrachytherapyinfo.net

The Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group is supported through an
unrestricted educational grant by Oncura

References:

1) Frank S, Pisters L, Davis J, et al. An Assessment of Quality
of Life Following Radical Prostatectomy, High Dose External Beam
Radiation Therapy and Brachytherapy Iodine Implantation as Monotherapies
for Localized Prostate Cancer. J. Urol. 2007;177:2151-2156.

http://www.prostatebrachytherapyinfo.net

Video:
http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/pbag/40802/

Source: Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group

For further information, please contact: Sally Robinson, +44(0)7976-204421, http://www.prostatebrachytherapyinfo.net; Notes: -Please contact Sally Robinson for permission to use the video, -Spokespersons available for interview

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