Urology Specialists Encourages Everyone to Learn About Their Risk for Urologic Cancers

Sioux Falls, SD – During National Cancer Prevention Month in February, Urology Specialists reminds everyone to speak with a urologist about their individual risk for urologic cancers and whether screening is recommended. Due to the recent pandemic, cancer screenings saw a dramatic decrease. In fact, an estimated 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in the U.S. in 2020 did not occur. The lack of testing in recent years has caused concern among physicians that individuals will be diagnosed with cancers at more advanced stages, potentially leading to more severe consequences.

For urological cancers, including prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer and penile cancer, routine screening may be recommended for some patients, and a urologist can discuss all available screening options. For some people, certain early and regular cancer screenings may be appropriate based on risk factors, such as gender, race and ethnicity, family history of cancer and exposure to certain toxins in the workplace. Urology Specialists is working to close the screening gap by spreading awareness and providing preventive cancer care.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, apart from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, and it is also one of the leading causes of cancer death. About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, but routine screening and early diagnosis can drastically improve outcomes. Unfortunately, in 2012, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings for healthy men, which research suggests may have led to more diagnoses of metastatic prostate cancer and more men dying from the disease during the last decade.

“The current lack of screenings for urologic cancers is a growing threat,” said Evan Goldfischer, M.D., president of LUGPA. “Providers must counsel patients on evidence-based practices, considering an individual’s risk factors and personal preferences. LUGPA is dedicated to advocating for policies that improve patient access to screening, particularly changing the USPSTF recommendations for PSA testing. It is essential for patients, providers and policymakers to understand the necessity of screenings that can help prevent cancer or detect cancer in earlier stages.”

Every person deserves access to high-quality, cost-effective care to prevent urologic cancers. Expert urologists at Urology Specialists provide services in throughout the tri-state region to help patients stay on top of their health, prevent urologic cancers and treat them as early as possible. To learn more, visit urologysd.com.

About Urology Specialists

Founded in 1951, Urology Specialists is the largest general and specialty urology practice in Sioux Falls, SD. Beyond Sioux Falls, Urology Specialists has satellite clinics and outreach locations throughout the tri-state area including Madison, MN, Ortonville, MN, Brookings, SD, Worthington, MN, Marshall, MN, Parkston, SD, Rock Valley, IA, Hendricks, MN, Huron, SD, Mitchell, SD, Sibley, IA, Pipestone, MN, Rock Rapids, IA, Luverne, MN, and Sheldon, IA. To learn more about services or to schedule your appointment today, please call (605) 336-0635.

About LUGPA

LUGPA is the only nonprofit urology trade association in the US. Since its founding in 2008, LUGPA has earned national recognition in the pursuit of its mission to preserve and advance the independent practice of urology while demonstrating quality and value to patients, vendors, third-party payors, legislators and regulatory agencies. The robust resources LUGPA provides help member groups to meet the challenges of independent practice in today’s rapidly changing healthcare marketplace. For more information, visit www.lugpa.org

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