After Biden diagnosis, advice from St. John’s

In response to former President Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, the chief of hematology/oncology at Episcopal Health Services’ St. John’s Hospital is urging men to prioritize early detection and routine screenings.

“President Biden diagnosis is a powerful reminder that prostate cancer can affect anyone — and that early screening and prevention efforts can save lives,” said Dr. Marc Warshawsky, MD.

The Far Rockaway-based St. John’s Hospital serves the Five Towns and surrounding communities.

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed during their lifetime. While many cancers grow slowly, aggressive forms can spread quickly and require prompt treatment.

Warshawsky recommends the following steps to reduce risk:

•Get Screened: Men age 50 and older — or age 40 and older for those who are black or have a family history — should speak with their physician about prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.

•Know the Signs: Although early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, warning signs may include a frequent urge or inability to urinate, blood in urine or semen, and frequent pain or stiffness in the pelvis, lower back or hips.

•Maintain a Healthy Diet: A diet low in red meat, and high in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats may reduce cancer risk.

•Exercise Regularly: Staying active supports hormone regulation and immune function.

•Don’t Smoke: Smoking is associated with more aggressive prostate cancer and poorer outcomes.

•Limit Alcohol and Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity may increase the risk of more aggressive forms of the disease.

“Small lifestyle changes can make a major difference in your health outcomes,” Warshawsky said.” And if you’re at risk, early screening can save your life.”

St. John’s Hospital offers comprehensive prostate cancer care, including early detection, diagnostic and advanced treatment options.

Dr. Warshawsky, a board-certified medical oncologist known for his exceptional clinical expertise and dedication to patient care, provides care for inpatient and outpatient hematology and oncology patients and also lead EHS’ Hematology/Oncology outpatient facility, where patients will be treated for a full range of hematologic and oncologic conditions.

To schedule a consultation, call 718-869-7949 or visit EHSCancercenter.com

News supplied by EHS