Urologic cancers—such as prostate, kidney, bladder and testicular cancer—represent some of the most common cancers in America. As many as 1 in 9 men are affected by prostate cancer in their lifetime and, although it affects only about 1 in 250 men, the incidence of testicular cancer in the United States has steadily increased over the past few decades.
Latest and Greatest
Diagnosing and treating these cancers requires a team of providers who understand and have access to the latest in technology. That is why UHS recently partnered with Upstate Urology, affiliated with Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Upstate Urology of UHS has been formed to offer state-of-the-art treatment at UHS Wilson Medical Center.
“At UHS we offer the most up-to-date, cutting-edge treatments you can get,” says Nick Liu, MD, urologist at Upstate Urology of UHS. “It’s safe to say we can offer medical care that’s on a par with the top cancer centers.”
To Screen or Not to Screen?
Nick Liu, MD
In the last few years, you may have seen prostate cancer screenings mentioned in the news as debate concerning their effectiveness continues. Prior to 2016, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against screenings, and in 2016 it changed its assessment to being neither for nor against screenings.
The truth is—like with many men’s health issues—whether you should get a prostate cancer screening is an individual determination you should make with your doctor. Nick Liu, MD, urologist at Upstate Urology of UHS, explains that talking to your provider about this and other issues is the most important step.
“We’re promoting men’s health,” says Dr. Liu, “and that includes an open discussion about prostate cancer for men between ages 55 and 89. For patients who are hesitant to have a biopsy, we have a lot of different options: PSA testing, MRI fusion biopsy of the prostate through the UroNav Biopsy System, looking at personal health information and even advanced blood tests through our collaboration with the Mayo Clinic.”
When it comes to enhancing cancer and other types of urologic care, one of the most important advances at UHS is the use of robotic surgery. Robotic surgery allows for surgical treatments that are less invasive and more precise—making recovery easier for patients. It is currently available at Upstate Urology, and there are plans to bring it to UHS Wilson next year.
“We’re hoping to transform the treatment options in the Binghamton metropolitan area,” says Dr. Liu. “Bringing this brand-new type of surgical system to this area means many patients can benefit. People don’t need to travel to other hospitals; we can do these things right here.”
More for Men
In addition to bringing the latest in technology to UHS, Upstate Urology of UHS also brings a renewed focus on men’s health in general. One of the goals of the practice is to bring more attention to men’s health issues that may be overlooked, which include urologic cancers as well as issues such as low testosterone and chronic testicular pain.
“Low testosterone is recognized as an underdiagnosed issue in males and it can cause heart disease, stroke and other problems related to that,” says Dr. Liu. “And chronic testicular pain is a condition that’s very common, and very few urologists know how to treat it.”
Sergey Kravchick, MD, urologist at Upstate Urology of UHS, has seen a series of patients with chronic testicular pain and now they’re pain-free. “It’s very exciting and something that very few urologic centers can offer,” says Dr. Liu.
DON’T WAIT.
It can be embarrassing to talk about urologic issues, but they only get worse the longer you wait. Take your health into your own hands by making an appointment with Upstate Urology of UHS. Call 763-8101.
