Oncologist to speak to local prostate cancer support group

More than 241,000 men are diagnosed annually with prostate cancer and more than 28,000 die from the disease each year, according to statistics from the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.

In order to better educate the Pahrump community about this disease, the Pahrump Prostate Support group has scheduled Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, a world renowned oncologist with the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, to speak on the topic at the Pahrump Nugget Event Center on Saturday.

Dr. Tom Waters, chair of the Pahrump Prostate Support group, says while this isn’t the first presentation the doctor has given to the organization, it will likely be the largest, which is why it was moved from the typical meeting location at the Pahrump Senior Center to the Pahrump Nugget.

“It’s not the first time we’re doing it and it’s not the first time Dr. Vogelzang is coming in, but we’ve always done it at the Senior Center and it was a smaller group. This time, however, we’re expecting a larger group,” he explained. “I’ve had so many people who’ve said I’m going to be there and I want to ask a question, and not just about prostate cancer, but any cancer.”

During the seminar, Vogelzang will begin by discussing the topic of prostate cancer, going over signs, symptoms, and other related topics before opening the floor to attendees for a question and answer session.

Waters said while the event is mainly geared toward the discussion of prostate cancer, the oncologist will be open to answering questions about any type of cancer the audience may have.

The chairman added that the Pahrump Prostate Support group is hoping with events like these in addition to their monthly meetings, they can better educate men and their families about the issue before they have to deal with it themselves.

“Prostate cancer and prostate problems affect four out of five men, but men do not like to talk about it and don’t come to the meetings until the doctor says you have a prostate problem,” he said. “What we’re saying is it is so much better to have that information before the doctor talks to you because then you can make up your mind as to what you want to do for treatment or whatever it is you’re planning to do after you find out you have a prostate problem. And we have so many people in Pahrump making panicked decisions after they find out they have prostate cancer or a prostate problem.

Waters added that the group is also inviting women to attend this weekend’s event as well as their monthly meetings. The chairman said by having them there, the women may better hold the men in their lives accountable to come out and get the information they need.

The seminar this weekend will run from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Pahrump Nugget Event Center and is free and open to the public.

The Pahrump Prostate Support group meets the fourth Thursday of every month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Desert View Hospital training room on the lower level of the facility.