Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee Recognizes Men’s Health Month
Committee Advocates Regular Screenings that Save Lives
Washington, D.C., June 25, 2010 – The ASC Advocacy Committee is proud to join health care providers, policymakers and health advocates in observing Men’s Health Month. Supported by a Congressional health education program, Men’s Health Month is held every year during the month of June to coincide with Father's Day.
Men’s Health Month is dedicated to enriching men’s health and wellness through a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns. In honor of Men’s Health Month, the leading health advocacy organizations, such as the Men’s Health Network, urge men across the country to make an appointment with their health care provider for early detection, and if necessary, treatment of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Many ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) throughout the country offer services for a variety of men’s health issues, including prostate cancer—the second leading cause of death in American men. Second only to lung cancer, prostate cancer claims the lives of more than 41,000 men in the U.S. each year. It occurs in the glands of a man's prostate and is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States.
“Prostate cancer that is detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland — has a better chance of successful treatment,” said David Moody, R.N., Administrator with Knightsbridge Surgery Center in Columbus, Ohio. “During Men’s Health Month, and throughout the rest of the year, I encourage males to closely monitor their health and talk to their physician about screening for health issues they might be at risk for.”
The American Cancer Society recommends annual digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood testing for men aged 50 years or older, African-American men and men with a family history of the disease. Statistics indicate that men who have either a father or brother with the disease are two to three times more likely to develop prostate cancer themselves.
"We provide a number of important services for diagnosis and management of Prostate disorders in men. The Ambulatory surgery center plays a vital role for diagnosing and treating both benign and cancerous conditions of the prostate.” said Mark Uhlman, M.D. a Board Certified Urologist at Yakima Urology Associates in Yakima, Washington. “If diagnosed with prostate cancer, we can perform minimally invasive and effective procedures such as Cryotherapy or Brachytherapy, so that patients can return home on the same day.” Dr. Uhlman added, “We have an excellent track record of success and satisfaction among our patients.”
With approximately 5,300 Medicare-certified facilities across all 50 states, ASCs are outpatient facilities that offer patients convenience, quality and value when it comes to their health care.
For more information on ambulatory surgery centers, visit www.advancingsurgicalcare.com.
About the Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee (ASCAC) is working on behalf of the industry to raise awareness of the important role that ASCs play in the health care system and the high-quality, cost-effective care that ASCs provide. The ASCAC includes the national and state ASC associations as well as representatives of all types of ASC operators and physicians. For more information about ASCs, visit www.advancingsurgicalcare.com.
Media Contact:
Kay Tucker, ASCA
(703) 836-8808
ktucker@ascassociation.org
