Better chances of survival: New certified cancer center at Helios Amper-Hospital Dachau
The Prostate Cancer Center at the Helios Amper-Hospital Dachau receives certification from the German Cancer Society for the first time. For the Head of Urology, it is a promise to patients.
It starts with harmless symptoms - a slightly more frequent urge to urinate, a slight pulling sensation in the abdomen. Nothing to worry about. Right? But this is how prostate cancer can manifest itself in the early stages. A disease that affects around 60,000 men in Germany every year and often remains undetected for a long time. The Helios Amper-Hospital Dachau has now received an important certificate: The German Cancer Society (DKG) has audited and awarded the Dachau Prostate Cancer Center for the first time - for the highest quality standards in cancer medicine that can save lives.
"This certification is not only a confirmation for our team, but above all a promise to our patients: We offer a high quality of treatment and holistic care - from the initial diagnosis through to long-term aftercare," explains Prof. Dr. Wael Khoder, Head Physician for Urology and Pediatric Urology.
"We integrate all the important specialist disciplines into our structured treatment concept. In this way, patients receive customized therapy at the highest level."
A particular focus is on quality of life after treatment. By using state-of-the-art, gentle surgical procedures - such as robot-assisted surgery and techniques that preserve potency and continence and protect the nerves - side effects can be reduced and recovery accelerated. Another important procedure is frozen section prostate removal: during the operation, the removed tissue is immediately examined to ensure that no tumor tissue remains in the body. This ensures complete tumor removal with maximum safety.
Better chances of survival through certified centers
Treatment in a certified oncology center can significantly improve the chances of recovery from prostate cancer. This is confirmed by a study on the effectiveness of care in oncology centers: In the most comprehensive analysis of its kind to date, data from around one million treatment cases of AOK-insured patients from 2009 to 2017 was evaluated. The result: patients who were treated in certified centers had a significantly higher probability of survival.
"It is not just a seal of quality, but proves that we maintain the highest standards of cancer treatment here in Dachau - and that means a demonstrably better prognosis for those affected," emphasizes Prof. Khoder.
Detecting prostate cancer at an early stage
Prostate cancer is one of the most common tumor diseases in men. The dangerous aspect is that it often causes no symptoms for a long time. However, there are early symptoms that can indicate a possible disease. These include a frequent or difficult urge to urinate, a weakening urinary stream, blood in the urine or semen and pain in the pelvis or lower back. Men over the age of 50 - or as early as 45 if there is a family history - should have regular check-ups. A simple PSA test (prostate-specific antigen) can provide initial indications of a possible disease.
Modern therapy options and individual treatment
State-of-the-art procedures are available in Dachau - from minimally invasive surgery to radiotherapy. "We rely on gentle treatment methods to maintain quality of life and function," says Prof. Khoder. The chances of recovery are excellent, especially in the early stages. With the successful DKG certification, the Dachau Prostate Cancer Center underlines its outstanding expertise. "Our patients should know: We are in the best hands here," emphasizes Prof. Khoder.
