Sharing our research at the NEAUA Meeting

Entrance to the Meeting at the Westin in Boston

I was at the 81st New England American Urological Association Annual Meeting in Boston last week.  The meeting was well attended with participants hailing from not only New England but also from many other parts of the US.  I had a great time catching up with colleagues as well as former residents I trained who are now colleagues (!).

At this year's meeting, I was also active as a member of the Scientific Program Committee, reviewing abstracts and helping the Program Chairs outline the format for the sessions.

My research group had a podium abstract at the meeting about laser prostate surgery.
Check out this prior blog post for more details about the abstract as well as my meeting involvement.

Drs. Ben Herrick (right) and Ron Yap (left) after our presentation.
See how relieved Ben looks?

Dr. Ben Herrick did a great job presenting our findings in the session.  The abstract was favorably received and marks the 4th time he has been able to share our research at a scientific meeting.  At this past American Urological Association Annual Meeting in May,  Dr. Herrick was first author on three abstracts for my group.  This is no small feat for such a large and competitive international meeting.  So kudos, Ben.  Keep up the good work!

Presidential Proclamation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

As a urologist, I'm in the front line everyday with my patients in the battle against prostate cancer.

Despite the controversy regarding PSA based screening for prostate cancer, the fact remains that prostate cancer is a leading cancer for men as far as incidence and mortality.  This disease is also the cause of much suffering in the world.

I'm pleased to see President Obama issue a proclamation yesterday acknowledging the burden of prostate cancer on American men, their families, and the healthcare system.

I urge my readers to check out this statement and spread the word about September being Prostate Cancer Awareness month.

Here are some suggestions for the month:

• Attend an educational event in your area about prostate cancer
• Consider a donation to a prostate cancer related charity
• Raise money to support prostate cancer research
• Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer   
• Talk to a family member or someone you know with prostate cancer and give him your support

If you have any other suggestions to support prostate cancer awareness please drop in a comment!

New Statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics on Circumcision

Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a new Circumcision Policy Statement. This release is an update to their last statement in 1999, reaffirmed in 2005.

I've linked to the primary sources in the medical literature because I think it's the best way to parse out any changes.

Here is a critical passage from today's statement (2012):

"Evaluation of current evidence indicates that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks and that the procedure’s benefits justify access to this procedure for families who choose it. Specific benefits identified included prevention of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and transmission of some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV."

This is a more definite statement when compared to the 1999 statement:
"Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision;"

Today's policy statement explicity highlights the medical benefits of circumcision and notes that overall the benefits outweigh the risks.  However, the statement stops short of recommending the procedure to all males.

The new policy statement's recommendation to have access for the procedure addresses the current lack of coverage for Medicaid subscribers in 18 states.

My analysis:
The circumcision debate has very entrenched camps for and against.  This issue is not simply a medical one.  It also involves the social, spiritual, and religious realms.  As a urologist by trade, my expertise lies with the medical.  There is burgeoning evidence that is hard to refute as noted in the AAP statement regarding the health benefits of circumcision.  However, ultimately, the decision as to whether or not to circumcise lies with the patient and family whilst receiving the appropriate informed consent from their physicians.  Families that elect to have circumcision should have appropriate support from insurers to due to its health benefits.  The health benefits of circumcision may cause the procedure to be classified as a preventative service.

Additional references/sources and for further reading:
LA Times Article (Brown)
USA Today Article (Painter)