Beat prostate cancer through early detection and innovative treatment
Ted Markiewicz, of Cherry Hill, has more than one reason to celebrate his 70th birthday. He survived prostate cancer, and he was the first patient at Virtua Health to undergo targeted cryosurgery of the prostate, an innovative procedure used to freeze and kill cancer cells.
"Being first is nothing new," claims Markiewicz, a retired General Electric electronics engineer. Markiewicz designed equipment that was used during the first space shuttle mission to the moon and the shuttle's first mission to Mars. He also helped invent the first satellite communication system used in aircraft.
Despite Markiewicz's extraordinary lifetime achievements, he wasn't immune to prostate cancer — a disease that strikes more than 200,000 men each year. Surprisingly, most men who develop it experience few, if any, noticeable symptoms. Lucky for Markiewicz, a physical exam and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test detected his cancer in time for a cure.
Early detection is the best defense
Free screenings
Making a treatment decision
The result of the cryosurgery
Early detection is the best defense
While prostate cancer is a highly treatable disease, more than 35,000 men will die of it each year because it wasn't detected early. "Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to outcome," says
Harold Reeve, MD, a Virtua urologist.
To detect prostate cancer at its most curable stage, Dr. Reeve suggests adhering to the American Urologic Association recommendations: Men over age 50 should receive an annual digital rectal examination (DRE) and a simple blood test that measures Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA); African-American men and those with a known family history of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 40. "Screening clearly detects many tumors that would be missed by the traditional rectal examinations," says Dr. Reeve.
Free screenings
Virtua Health offers free prostate screenings as well as screenings for colorectal, breast and cervical cancer. These screenings are provided to Burlington and Camden county residents who are uninsured or lack adequate insurance. Free screening programs are funded by the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Grant in Camden County and the Burlington County Health Departments in Burlington County. An educational grant provided by the CR Bard Foundation also provides free screenings; information is listed in the calendar section. Those who have health insurance are urged to see their doctors annually. For more information, call toll-free 1-888-Virtua-3 (1-888-847-8823).
Making a treatment decision
After a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, Markiewicz discussed treatment options with his urologist. That's when he learned about cryosurgery. "Virtua Health offers a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer care," states
Louis Keeler, III, MD, urologist and medical director of the Virtua West Jersey Oncology Program. "We offer all available surgical procedures to treat prostate cancer." Other options include nerve sparing radical prostatectomy, radioactive implants (brachytherapy) and external beam radiation."
Dr. Keeler says: "Markiewicz was an ideal candidate for cryosurgery. With a pre-existing heart condition and being over age 65, we opted for a minimally invasive procedure." Cryosurgery can be performed as same day surgery or may require an overnight stay in the hospital. It allows for a faster recovery than radical surgery.
Markiewicz researched his options with the same rigor that he would research a prototype for any new invention. "I'm an engineer at heart," says Markiewicz. "I wanted to review all the risks and mortality rates of each procedure as it compares to my medical history and other quality of life issues such as the rate of incontinence or impotence after surgery. After careful consideration and upon Dr. Keeler's recommendation, cryosurgery seemed the most appropriate choice for me," says Markiewicz.
Markiewicz scheduled cryosurgery for March 6. Using ultrasound guidance, the two-hour procedure began with Dr. Keeler implanting five needle-like probes into the prostate. The probes are filled with liquified argon gas, which change to solid ice balls freezing the entire prostate. A urethral warmer simultaneously preserves the urinary lining of the prostate.
The result of the cryosurgery
In as little as four weeks, Markiewicz was fully recovered and resumed his normal lifestyle with few side effects. "I sometimes experience a stronger urge to urinate than before, but overall everything feels and functions as normal," says Markiewicz. "I am thankful that Virtua physicians could provide treatment to help restore my good health." As a result, Markeiwicz, his wife Rita of 42 years, two children and three grandchildren were able to celebrate a belated birthday with many more years to come.