Baptist Cancer Institute Recognizes National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
with Free Health Screenings, Lance Armstrong Foundation Partnership

The American Cancer Society estimates that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Could you be one of them? 

Baptist Hospital is one of 100 hospitals in the nation participating in the da Vinci® Surgery Awareness Initiative™ - a prostate cancer awareness initiative in partnership with LIVESTRONG™, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

During September – prostate cancer awareness month - the Baptist Cancer Institute will support education and early detection of prostate cancer among area men. For your convenience, the Baptist Cancer Institute is offering free prostate health screenings on Sept. 23 and 24 in the Baptist Medical Towers from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. both days.

“Baptist Health Care serves as a champion in outreach and prevention as well as diagnosis and treatment choices of this leading cancer in men,” said Donna Campbell, director of cancer services, Baptist Cancer Institute. “Through such partnerships and initiatives, we can increase access to education and prevention – improving the quality of life in our community.”

Robotics and da Vinci
Da Vinci is the procedure of choice for men with prostate cancer. In 2007, Baptist Hospital was the first hospital in northwest Florida to purchase the da Vinci® S HD, a robotic surgical system.

The robotic system allows surgeons to remove the diseased prostate without damaging surrounding structures, greatly reducing the risk of long-term complications commonly associated with traditional prostate surgery. Research shows that men who undergo da Vinci prostatectomy have significantly better sexual function – as well as urine control – following surgery than those who had conventional prostate surgery.  Other benefits include reduced blood loss and a quicker recovery.

Prior to the access of the da Vinci surgical system at Baptist Hospital, men needed to travel as far a Birmingham to benefit from a less-invasive prostatectomy.

Since 2007, more than 120 men have benefited from this advanced surgical treatment at Baptist Hospital.  In fact, this success is why Baptist Hospital was selected to participate in the da Vinci® Surgery Awareness Initiative™.

Recognized as the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men, an estimated 192,280 new cases will occur in 2009.  Yet, statistics show the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed at an early stage is nearly 100 percent. The American Cancer Society attributes increased survival rates to early detection and improvements in treatment.

Screenings are free but appointments are needed. Both commonly used tests to detect prostate cancer will be administered and including a blood test and physical exam.

To schedule your free prostate cancer screening or for more information on da Vinci, call Baptist Health Care at (850) 434-4080.