Prostate Cancer Treatment and Services in South Jersey
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluid, which is the liquid in semen that protects, supports and helps transport sperm. It is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that drains urine from the base of the bladder to the penis.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland and create tumors. Most types of prostate cancer grow slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, but other can be more aggressive and spread quickly to surrounding tissues. It may also metastasize (spread) throughout other areas of the body, such as the bones, lungs and liver.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, affecting about one in six men in the United States. Since early diagnosis is important to survival, all men beginning at age 40 should undergo yearly screenings for prostate cancer.
Virtua Fox Chase Cancer Program
The Virtua Fox Chase Cancer Program offers a range of diagnostic procedures, advanced treatment options and personalized support services for men with suspected or diagnosed prostate cancer.
Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on the stage of prostate cancer as well as their age, health and personal choices. Patients may obtain an outpatient second opinion with a Fox Chase Cancer Center oncologist who comes to Virtua to meet with the patient and family.
Virtua Fox Chase Cancer Program's interdisciplinary care teams are staffed by oncology experts including board-certified, fellowship-trained surgical oncology specialists and medical oncologists. They have earned their fellowships from leading medical institutions such as New York University Medical Center, Duke University Medical Center, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Oncology certified and advanced practice nurses provide education and support to patients and their families.
Interdisciplinary clinical care teams may also include:
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Pathologists
- Clinical oncology social workers
- Dietitians and physical therapists
- Oncology nurses
- Radiation nurses
The Virtua Fox Chase Cancer Program offers professional facilitated support and education programs, including the American Cancer Society's Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group.