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Free prostate screenings offered

August 24, 2003

Men may not want to talk about it, but the significant female in their lives are likely to. We're talking about prostate cancer and how men can protect themselves from this common cancer.

Free screenings for prostate cancer will be offered at two locations in Danville during the week of Sept. 15-19. These screenings are sponsored by the Central Kentucky Cancer Program in partnership with the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation. Appointments for the free screenings can be scheduled beginning Sept. 2. A limited number of screening appointments are available.

The free screenings will be available at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center during the following times: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15; 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18; and 9-11 a.m. Friday, Sept.19

The free screenings will also be available at McDowell Place of Danville, 1181 Ben Ali Drive, during the following times: 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Sept. 16; and 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Prostate cancer ranks as the second leading type of cancer in American men, with more than 200,000 men expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. The good news is that men have a 90 percent or higher chance of surviving prostate cancer if the disease is caught early.

All men age 45 and older are at risk for developing prostate cancer, and the risk increases as men age. At even higher risk for prostate cancer are African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

Screening for prostate cancer is important because the disease usually has no symptoms, especially in its earliest stages. Typical symptoms of prostate cancer include:

* weak or interrupted flow of urine

* inability to urinate or difficulty in beginning to urinate

* need to urinate frequently, especially at night

* blood in urine or semen

* continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs

The free prostate cancer screening will consist of a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test, which measures the prostate specific antigen produced by the prostate.

To fit the criteria to be screened, all participants must: not currently be diagnosed with prostate cancer; not currently be under the care of a urologist; be over the age of 45; and not have had a PSA (blood test for prostate cancer) in the past year.

To schedule an appointment for the free screening, call (859) 239-2453.

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