Physicians with M Health Fairview Cancer Care have led the way in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. They validated the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test as a marker for prostate cancer and developed the Gleason grading system to rank the aggressiveness of the disease.

Additionally, M Health Fairview Cancer Care is home to the Institute for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, created in 2005 to focus on the most common genitourinary cancers, such as prostate cancer. Our care team is nationally and internationally recognized for their leadership in the treatment of genitourinary cancers. We offer nerve-sparing radical robotic prostatectomy.

Our providers were among the first in Minnesota to offer an MRI-guided, fusion prostate biopsy. Physicians here also pioneered vaccine therapy, and ours was one of the first medical centers to use radiation after prostate cancer surgery to prevent a recurrence.

Most of our providers are also members of the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the Twin Cities: the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota. This enables our doctors to participate in extensive research that keeps them at the leading-edge of new therapies and treatment options for patients with prostate cancer.

Advanced Screening Options
M Health Fairview Cancer Care utilizes the latest technology in screening and detection for prostate cancer. In addition to traditional screening like digital rectal exam, PSA test, and biopsy, below are the advanced screening methods we use.

• Transrectal ultrasound: A healthcare provider inserts an ultrasound probe into the rectum. This probe uses sound waves to create an image (sonogram) of the prostate.
• MRI-guided biopsy with transrectal ultrasound fusion: This type of biopsy uses state-of-the-art technology to produce a three-dimensional view of the prostate to better target the biopsy site, which is significantly more effective at detecting prostate cancer.

Use of advanced/genetic information to help determine whether a prostate biopsy is necessary and if cancer is diagnosed, whether it needs to be treated.

Active Surveillance
M Health Fairview Cancer Care recognizes that not all men need to be treated for their prostate cancer. Many men will die with their prostate cancer, not from it. We have a large population of men we have safely watched and avoided radical treatment, and the associated side effects, for their prostate cancer. Through a combination of tests, we can help determine if watching your prostate cancer is appropriate.

Supporting Our Patients

We have many resources in place for our patients to make sure they are supported as they face prostate cancer. Learn more below.

• Support Groups. The Institute for Prostate and Urologic Cancers (IPUC) offers support groups for those navigating bladder and prostate cancers. These support groups are free and occur once a month. They often include professionals in the field giving educational presentations, followed by an open discussion session, in which you are invited to share your experience with others facing the disease. Caregivers are also encouraged to attend these meetings. For more information about these support groups, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/kXEDkan3EmCqmA7BA
• Peer-to-Peer Program
  Patients recently diagnosed with cancer may find it helpful to speak with someone who has been through treatment and learned how to manage the same disease. Through our Peer-to-Peer Program, patients and family members share experiences and support each other.
• Patient Library
  The library houses printed and online resources that provide patients with treatment and recovery information for their specific diseases and conditions.
• Pre-Surgical Class
  A mandatory class prepares patients for surgery by giving them a realistic overview of the hospital experience, decreasing anxiety, and preparing them and their families for post-discharge care.
• Supportive Cancer Care Program by Palliative Care
  We improve patients’ quality of life by treating symptoms related to their cancer. We provide palliative care in conjunction with a patient's regular medical treatment.
• Dietary Services
  Our registered dietitians help patients eat right as they receive cancer treatment, educating them about nutritional guidelines, appetite problems and eating difficulties, food safety, and supplements.