Prostate screening day

Saturday, November 1, 2008

One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, says the American Cancer Society. It will cause an estimated 29,900 deaths each year.

Prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 50 and in African American men. Age is not the only cause for concern, men with one or more relatives diagnosed with the cancer has an increased risk of also being diagnosed. These men should begin prostate testing at the age of 45, while others should begin at the age of 50, says the American Cancer Society.

The Putnam County Hospital is giving men a chance to protect their health. They are holding a prostate screening day Nov. 6 at the Outpatient Specialty Clinic. There will be two sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m.

This screening -- a rectal digital exam -- is free of charge. A prostate-specific antigen or PSA blood test will also be available for $10, which is payable at the time of service.

"Both tests are important and should be done yearly," said Lou, LPN and community outreach coordinator for the hospital.

Last year, the hospital had more than 90 males registered and screened. Out of those men, ten percent were found to have elevated PSA levels and were referred to their family physician.

The procedure is quick and able to save a life, says Lou.

She wants to remind all males "early detection is the key to a cure."

To register, call the Cancer Center at 655-2581 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration ends Wednesday.

Refreshments and information from the American Cancer Society will be offered throughout the day.

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