Prostate Cancer

Baptist Cancer Institute is now home to the Center for Prostate Care, a comprehensive clinic that features physicians widely recognized for their expertise in treating prostate cancer. It offers state-of-the-art treatments, such as prostate seed implantation; educational resources and seminars about prostate cancer prevention; and links to regional and national research efforts.

"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting more than 200,000 men each year," said John Wilbanks, Administrator of Baptist Medical Center. "There's a demonstrated need locally for a comprehensive prostate care center, not only to provide treatment, but also to educate men about the importance of screening. Baptist Cancer Institute is stepping forward to meet these needs with the Center for Prostate Care."

The center's physicians were the first in Northeast Florida to perform prostate seed implantation, a minimally invasive, highly effective procedure for prostate cancer, which involves placing tiny, radioactive seeds that destroy cancerous cells in the prostate. These physicians have been performing seed implants since 1980 and travel throughout the world to train doctors in the procedure. They were the first doctors in Florida to perform real-time seed implantation, which uses powerful intra-operative computers to map the prostate during surgery, allowing for the most accurate and effective placement of the seeds.

The center's staff also provides assistance and support to patients and their families and collaborates with physicians to deliver patient care. The center will also take an active role in providing community education, including sponsoring and holding lectures, forums and symposia emphasizing the importance of cancer prevention and screening.