7 Healthcast: Kerry Cancer

It was a simple blood test that found the senator's cancer.

Dr. John Long, Tufts NEMC Urologist
"The PSA is a protein manufactured primarily by the prostate. When it's elevated, it can be a sign of prostate carcinoma."

A biopsy confirmed it. There are many treatment options - including chemotherapy and radioactive seeds - but Kerry is choosing surgery. Dr. Patrick Walsh of Johns Hopkins will do a procedure that preserves the nerves around the prostate, minimizing the risk of impotency and incontinence.

Dr. John Long, Tufts NEMC Urologist
"He's very highly regarded in the field and quite expert at performing radical prostatectomies."

Allen Snyder also chose surgery five years ago - after being diagnosed. Two years ago, he ran the Boston Marathon.

Allen Snyder, Mass. Prostate Cancer Coalition
"You're out of commission for a couple of weeks, but you get back to full strength pretty quickly."

Like Kerry, his cancer was rated *gleason 6* - on a scale of 2 to 10, meaning it was relatively small and non-aggressive.

Although recovery varies from patient to patient, Senator Kerry should be up and walking the very next day. He will need a catheter to his bladder for about nine days.

Kerry's regular doctor, who helped make the diagnosis, says there's no reason why the senator can't run a vigorous campaign.

Dr. Gerry Doyle, Sen. Kerry's Physician
"This is a minor bump in the road and he'll be fine once this is taken care of. his cat scan showed no tumor anywhere else."

Kerry has better than a 95 percent chance full recovery

At 59, Kerry is a little young for prostate cancer. Most men are diagnosed at an average age of 67. Because of his family history, Kerry's PSA levels were closely watched. This early diagnosis - means his prognosis is excellent.