Month: August 2024

“Your biopsy came back positive for prostate cancer.” If you hear these words, you wouldn’t be human if your stress level didn’t immediately rise. It’s a natural fight-or-flight response to news that comes as a shock—as in a diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). The initial surge of biochemicals is a complex inflammatory process that gives keep reading

When a person is born, is their IQ fixed for life? IQ stands for intelligence quotient, and is a standard measure of mental performance. Is it fixed, or can it be taken to a new level as the person develops? This question has sparked all manner of research with infants, young children, school-age kids, etc. keep reading

Growing up, I sometimes heard older family members talk about “the Good Old Days.” Compared to their memories of “simpler times,” they now felt challenged by the fast pace of increasing technological complexities. In fact, the arc of technological advances over the centuries is breathtaking! According to a Feb. 27, 2023 World Economic Forum piece, keep reading

A wise art teacher once told her class, “The hardest part of any work of art is deciding when it’s done.” The problem is, how to make that decision? When the artist stands back to see if any finishing touches are needed, it’s a matter of subjective opinion. No two artists will judge completion the keep reading

Let’s start with the hypothetical case of Robert. He considers himself lucky in life because good things have come his way. He has a happy marriage, nice kids, a decent job, and he’s healthy. He follows the principles of the Mediterranean diet, doesn’t smoke, and has an occasional glass of wine. He does cardio workouts keep reading

It was not that long ago when it was widely held that prostate cancer (PCa) is an “old man’s disease.” No more. That belief is now only shredder-worthy. Wad up the paper, toss it in the recycle bin—but please don’t recycle the idea itself! PCa is now hitting men at younger ages, many of whom keep reading

No one is perfect, including radiologists who read and interpret multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) prostate scans. However, some are better than others. Studies show that experienced readers are generally more accurate than less experienced readers. In fact, based on the number of MRIs reviewed over time as well as continuing education (conferences, training workshops, classes, etc.), keep reading

“I’m sorry to say your prostate cancer has recurred.” No one wants to hear that message after an initial whole-gland treatment like surgery or radiation. While 5-year survival rates for localized prostate cancer approach 100%, over the longer term as many as 20-40% of patients will experience recurrence. Recurrence after radiation treatment offers a unique opportunity... keep reading

At a professional meeting not long ago, I got into a casual conversation with a colleague about religion. He said, “I’m not religious but I see myself as spiritual.” It’s not the first time I’ve heard similar statements, so I told him he’s not alone. In fact, since 1990 there’s been a growing U.S. population keep reading

Excitement peaks every four years when the world’s greatest athletes gather for the Olympics. During the 2024 summer Olympics in Paris, the team gymnastics events were as sparkling as the Eiffel Tower at night. For Americans, the outcomes did not disappoint. The U.S. women’s team took the Olympic podium with their fourth team gold, (1996, keep reading