Riverwood Urologists Dr. Matthew Watson, DO and Dr. Brandon Reynolds, MD
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September by health experts, health advocates, and individuals concerned with men’s prostate health and prostate cancer.
At Riverwood, we have a dedicated urology provider team, Dr. Brandon Reynolds and Dr. Matthew Watson, Urologists, along with Nurse Practitioner Cindy Hauser and Physician Assistant Elizabeth Lilley (who will join the team the end of October), who can address prostate health concerns with patients. “Prostate cancer is more curable when it is caught early”, states Dr. Brandon Reynolds. “Early screening results are a good predictor of your lifetime risk of potentially developing prostate cancer. We do recommend screenings to start at age 55 until at least the age of 69,” explains Dr. Watson. Riverwood has a new tool for diagnosing prostate cancer. UroNav® combines the benefits of a MRI with ultrasound to create a detailed, 3D views of the prostate. By allowing physicians to see the prostate in this way, they can identify suspicious areas, and then target them for fusion biopsy. This increases the likelihood of finding cancer if it’s present at the time of biopsy.
“The UroNav® fusion biopsy procedure is safe and well tolerated,” said Dr. Reynolds. This technology helps us find prostate cancers that others can’t and produces a 30% improvement in the diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer.”
For more information on how the procedure works go to https://riverwoodhealthcare.org/new-diagnostic-tool-speeds-detection-of-prostate-cancer/
Take September as an opportunity to take back control of your health for a fresh start. Diets are often high in saturated fats, and most foods consumed are processed. All of this contributes to potential chronic illnesses, and even increase the risk of prostate cancer. Instead, a diet based on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can improve and strengthen the body and help ward itself from cancer. Here are some ways to a healthy and happy prostate:
- Increase your activity – A combination of a healthy diet combined with regular activity helps keep your body mass index in check, which has been found helpful as obesity can lead to a more aggressive type of prostate cancer.
- Schedule your prostate exam – Riverwood has a team of urologists that would recommend you start screening 55 to determine the health condition of the prostate gland. If the screening results come in with no signs of prostate cancer, you would be clear to wait until the following year for repeat PSA screening.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol – Drinking and smoking on a regular basis increase your risk of cancer.
- Manage stress – Stress weakens the immune system by releasing a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can break down the immune cells’ defenses. The immune system is the body’s natural defense against disease. Seek natural ways to manage stress through exercise, mindfulness, nature, and more.
If you have urinary incontinence or prostate health concerns or are due for your prostate screening our urology team at Riverwood offers same-week appointments at our specialty clinic in Aitkin. Call 218-927-5566 to make an appointment.