FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Stacey Adams
(334) 295-2411
[email protected]
The Sumter County Health Department, in partnership with the Urology Health Foundation, will offer free prostate cancer screening for men 40 years of age and older on Saturday, April 22. The screenings will be conducted from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 1121 N. Washington St., Livingston.
"Generally speaking, most men will do anything to avoid going to the doctor," said Dr. Thomas Moody, president of the Urology Health Foundation. "They believe that illnesses such as cancer happen to someone else; however, the reality is far from that."
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death (behind lung cancer) among men in the United States. Early detection and treatment are key factors in addressing prostate cancer. Age and race are the strongest risk factors for prostate cancer.
One in six men will get prostate cancer sometime in his life. African American men are at special risk for the disease, with the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world. One in four African American men will get prostate cancer sometime in his life and are 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease. A man's risk of prostate cancer is higher than average if his brother, father or uncle had the disease.
"There are no noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer while it is still in the early stages," according to Dr. Moody, "That is why screening is so critical."
In more advanced stages, symptoms may include difficult or frequent urination, blood in the urine, or bone pain. Every man age 40 or over should resolve to be screened annually.
Screening for prostate cancer involves a simple blood test called a PSA that measures the level of protein called prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Normally, PSA is found in the blood at very low levels. Elevated PSA readings can be a sign of prostate cancer. A physical examination is also given to detect prostate cancer. This exam is called a DRE or digital rectal exam. These tests take approximately 10 minutes to perform and could save a man's life.
For more information about this free screening, contact the Sumter County Health Department at (205) 652-7972.