Samadi Robotic Foundation Receives Generous Donation to Help Fund and Educate Prostate Cancer Prevention

Dr. David Samadi receives Peter Latos Prostate Cancer Foundation Award in recognition of faithful service for the treatment, prevention and innovation in the fight against prostate cancer. The award was presented at the 2nd Annual Peter Latos Prostate Cancer Foundation Gala last Thursday at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Long Island. Over 500 men and women attended to support the foundation in memory of Peter Latos. 

The Peter Latos Prostate Cancer Foundation also donated $20,000 to the Samadi Robotics Foundation to fund prostate cancer research, prevention and screening in the search for a cure. 

The event was in honor of the late Peter Latos, who passed away from prostate cancer in May 2013 at the age of 48. Peter was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in November 2009.

“Peter was very young and prostate cancer tends to be more aggressive in young men. His story should encourage all men to understand their individual risk factors like family history and to get a baseline PSA at the age of 40. Knowledge is power,” stressed Dr. Samadi.

Peter came to Dr. Samadi after being diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and worked to fight the disease through many treatment options including robotic prostate surgery to remove the prostate. After the surgery, it was indicated that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes, proving even further how aggressive his cancer was. Only surgery can give an accurate staging of this cancer.

“Peter’s story will live on and his message of ‘One simple blood test’ is and will continue to save the lives of men all over the world. Prostate cancer is a silent killer and we have to do more in educating both men and women about the PSA blood test for screening,” said Dr. Samadi.

“Peter was an incredible fighter and never gave up, even until his last day. He always hoped his story would encourage young men to educate themselves and know their individual risk factors when it comes to prostate cancer,” explained Dr. Samadi.

In spite of the guidelines, Dr. Samadi recommends men get a baseline PSA at the age of 40 and to know their risk factors. Peter actually discovered this cancer through a routine physical with his cardiologist, who suggested a PSA blood test, which the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force doesn’t recommend until men reach the age of 55.

“Peter always said, ‘Check your PSA…it’s only one simple blood test.’ Men should take this very seriously. The early detection of prostate cancer is critical,” said Dr. Samadi.

Before his passing, Peter wanted men to know the importance of the PSA test and to understand their risk for prostate cancer. “It’s very important that you ask your doctor to have your PSA levels checked the minute you turn 40. If your doctor refuses or tells you you’re too young to have a PSA test, leave that doctor and seek another one right away.”