Prostate cancer and treatment options are in public focus as Israeli PM Olmert reveals that he has prostate cancer, but will stay on the post.
Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday he had prostate cancer, but that it was not life-threatening, and he would continue to perform his duties.
Prostate Cancer Treatment and Symptoms
"I have a tumor of the prostate in the very early stages... It is a minor tumor that can be surgically removed. This is not life-threatening and is treatable," he told a news conference.
Olmert said the tumor was revealed during a routine medical examination, and it will not require radiation treatment or chemotherapy
The consulting physicians told the news conference the tumor did not require urgent surgery, and that in such cases surgery to remove the tumor was usually performed no earlier than six weeks after the initial biopsy. Surgeons added that surgery would incapacitate the premier for several days.
Olmert, 62, took office in 2006 after his predecessor, Ariel Sharon, suffered strokes, subsequently falling into a coma. The ex-premier remains hospitalized in intensive care.
The announcement of Israeli PM having prostate cancer came against the backdrop of Olmert's meetings with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas ahead of a U.S.-sponsored peace conference in Annapolis in November or December.
Prostate cancer treatment information from Prostate Cancer Foundation
"The concept of active surveillance, or watchful waiting, has increasingly emerged in the past years as a viable option for men who, for one reason or another, have decided not to undergo immediate surgery or radiation therapy. During active surveillance, the cancer is carefully monitored for signs of progression. A PSA blood test and DRE are usually administered every six months along with a yearly biopsy of the prostate. If symptoms develop, or if tests indicate that the cancer is growing, treatment might be warranted.
"Active surveillance might be a good choice for men who have very slow growing or very early cancers, or for men who have other serious medical conditions that affect the way they live their lives, especially if these other conditions are likely to shorten their lifespan.
"Also, many of the treatment options for prostate cancer can be difficult to endure, and better outcomes are seen in men who are otherwise healthy. If a man is currently battling other disorders or diseases, such as heart disease, long-standing high blood pressure, or poorly controlled diabetes, his doctors might feel that it is in his best interest to hold off on therapy and avoid its potential complications."