S. Christopher Hoffelt, MD, Southwest Radiation Oncology

Wisdom, experience, senior discounts...there's a lot to be said for the 'golden years.' But for many men, living longer also increases the chance of having prostate cancer.

At Southwest Washington Medical Center, prostate was the third most common cancer diagnosed in a single year. With 128 cases during 2006 alone, that means approximately once every three days, someone's father, brother, husband or loved one received the news here that he had prostate cancer.

First Line of Defense: Early Detection
Typically prostate cancer is diagnosed late in life and tends to grow so slowly that it may never cause problems or become life-threatening. 'Watchful waiting' and treatments are often very effective when the cancer is found early. That's why the American Cancer Society recommends annual testing to begin at age 50. Men at higher risk (such as African Americans and men whose father or brother had prostate cancer) should begin screening at age 45.

Second Line of Defense: Treatment and Support
Several treatment options are available at Southwest, including surgery, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy. (As of 2009, insurance coverage is expected to expand for CyberKnife(r), offering fewer treatments and minimal radiation exposure to surrounding tissue.) Men are encouraged to discuss the best treatment solution for their situation with their physician and family, or contact Southwest's Radiation Oncology and CyberKnife center for more information.

In addition, Southwest offers a prostate cancer education and support group on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to anyone whose life has been affected by prostate cancer, providing an opportunity to share common problems and solutions in a supportive environment. Community professionals present educational sessions during the first half of the meetings. Loved ones are welcome to attend. For more information, go to www.swmedicalcenter.org/prostatesupport.

Third Line of Defense: Clinical Studies
Southwest currently is involved in a clinical study on prevention measures for prostate cancer. More than 32,000 men throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada are participating. For more information, go to www.swmedicalcenter.org/prostateresearch.

Southwest's Radiation Oncology/CyberKnife Department
Southwest's Radiation Oncology Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology. As the only radiation treatment center accredited in the State of Washington, it is one of only three accredited centers in the Washington, Oregon and Idaho region. In addition, Southwest is the only CyberKnife radiosurgery center in the greater Vancouver/Portland metropolitan area.

The Radiation Oncology/CyberKnife center is located in the stand-alone Cancer Center building on the Southwest Washington Medical Center campus, off the 87th Ave. entrance from Mill Plain Blvd. in Vancouver. For more information, go to www.swmedicalcenter.org/cancercenter or call 360.514.1900. You can also request a FREE Cancer Center DVD by clicking here.

About Dr. Hoffelt
Southwest's CyberKnife(r) team is led by radiation oncology expert, S. Christopher Hoffelt, M.D. In addition to his role in the Radiation Oncology department, part of Southwest's Cancer Center, Dr. Hoffelt is also on the faculty at Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU). Before joining Southwest Washington Medical Center, Dr. Hoffelt was part of the team at Baltimore's Sinai Hospital that introduced the CyberKnife  technology for tumor treatments.

You can locate a doctor to help you with cancer care (oncology) at our Find a Doctor  area.