September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) is making experts available to discuss the risks, treatment and prevention options surrounding prostate cancer during September, which is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, other than skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. It is estimated that approximately 192,000 new cases of prostate cancer will occur in the United States this year, with the illness affecting more African-American men than those of Asian or Caucasian descent. In New Jersey, it is estimated that 6,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year, while 660 will die from the disease.

Researchers at CINJ are continually investigating new ways to prevent and treat prostate cancer through such methods as the development of a vaccine, the use of robotic surgery and exploring the impact that vitamin supplements have on the disease.

Prostate Cancer Screenings: The Cancer Institute of New Jersey and its flagship facility Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital are joining forces to offer prostate cancer screenings this September. The overall goal is to better educate men – and their families – about the risks of prostate cancer and the importance of being screened.

To register for a free screening, call Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at 732-247-2050. The screenings will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. September 21, 22, and 23 at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street in New Brunswick. An appointment is necessary.

CINJ experts available for comment include:

Robert DiPaola, MD, director CINJ; professor of medicine, UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. DiPaola’s research includes the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer and the impact of herbal medicines in these areas. He has done research testing the effectiveness of an investigational vaccine for prostate cancer as well as the impact of Vitamin D on the disease.

Isaac Kim, MD, PhD, head of the Urologic Oncology program, CINJ; associate professor of surgery, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Kim’s research interests include tumor immunology focusing on immunosuppressive factors produced by prostate cancer cells. He has a specialty interest in robotic- and minimally-invasive surgery and performs a high volume of these surgeries on prostate cancer patients each year.

Mark N. Stein, MD, medical oncologist, Urologic Oncology Program, CINJ; assistant professor of medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Stein has a clinical and research interest in prostate cancer and can discuss the importance of annual screenings, especially for at-risk populations such as African American men and those with a family history. He also can provide insight regarding follow-up screening frequency for significantly older men, who have been diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer.