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Print This StoryCatching Prostate Cancer Early Is Key
Campaign To Focus On Male Cancers
POSTED: 12:25 p.m. EDT October 21, 2002
CLEVELAND -- Breast cancer affects mostly women, and the "Loving Partners" campaign has generally focused on this type of cancer.
But NewsChannel5 and University Hospitals is launching a "Loving Partners" campaign just for men, to focus on cancers that affect them.
NewsChannel5's Alicia Booth reported that although Gary Amato does not love going to the doctor, he went one fateful day three years ago.
The visit included a digital rectal exam, something most guys don't like to talk about, let alone have done to them.
"The family doctor felt something, (and) one thing led to another," Amato said. "(After) more tests, sure enough -- it was prostate cancer."
Eventually, Amato met up with Dr. Mark Stovsky, who warned him about the risks of surgery but felt it was the best option for Amato.
"(Surgery is good) especially in younger patients who have a long life expectancy and where we're just not sure how radiation is going to stack up," Stovsky said.
Doctors said the possible side effects are impotence and incontinence, but they didn't scare Amato at all.
"Living cancer-free is the most important thing," Amato said. "I mean, you can't have sex and you can't go to the bathroom normally if you're not alive."
Amato's wife, Chris, felt exactly the same way. When asked if she worried that her husband's cancer might affect their marriage, she said, "No, (I thought it would) just make it stronger, and it did."
The Amatos said that everything is now working just the way it's supposed to be.
Gary Amato is cancer-free, his family life is good and he's living proof of what his doctor says all the time.
"Prostate cancer, when caught early, is a very treatable and oftentimes curable disease," Stovsky said.
Doctors recommend that all men get the digital rectal exam at their next physical. And women should encourage their husbands, boyfriends and fathers to go to the doctor in the first place.
If you have any questions about prostate cancer and want some more information about detection and treatment options, call University Hospitals' Ireland Cancer Center at (800) 641-2422 for a free mailer.
But NewsChannel5 and University Hospitals is launching a "Loving Partners" campaign just for men, to focus on cancers that affect them.
NewsChannel5's Alicia Booth reported that although Gary Amato does not love going to the doctor, he went one fateful day three years ago.
The visit included a digital rectal exam, something most guys don't like to talk about, let alone have done to them.
"The family doctor felt something, (and) one thing led to another," Amato said. "(After) more tests, sure enough -- it was prostate cancer."
Eventually, Amato met up with Dr. Mark Stovsky, who warned him about the risks of surgery but felt it was the best option for Amato.
"(Surgery is good) especially in younger patients who have a long life expectancy and where we're just not sure how radiation is going to stack up," Stovsky said.
Doctors said the possible side effects are impotence and incontinence, but they didn't scare Amato at all.
"Living cancer-free is the most important thing," Amato said. "I mean, you can't have sex and you can't go to the bathroom normally if you're not alive."
Amato's wife, Chris, felt exactly the same way. When asked if she worried that her husband's cancer might affect their marriage, she said, "No, (I thought it would) just make it stronger, and it did."
The Amatos said that everything is now working just the way it's supposed to be.
Gary Amato is cancer-free, his family life is good and he's living proof of what his doctor says all the time.
"Prostate cancer, when caught early, is a very treatable and oftentimes curable disease," Stovsky said.
Doctors recommend that all men get the digital rectal exam at their next physical. And women should encourage their husbands, boyfriends and fathers to go to the doctor in the first place.
If you have any questions about prostate cancer and want some more information about detection and treatment options, call University Hospitals' Ireland Cancer Center at (800) 641-2422 for a free mailer.
Previous Stories:
- August 5, 2002: Fiance's Support Helping Woman Beat Breast Cancer
- October 16, 2001: Watch 'Loving Partners' On NewsChannel5
Copyright 2002 by NewsNet5. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
