CHH and Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Offer Free Prostate Exams
Out of every three men diagnosed with cancer each year, one is diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is the second most common type of cancer in men in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Because early detection and new treatments such as minimally invasive robotic surgery are offering men a better chance for a cure, Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center are offering free exams for the early detection of prostate cancer Friday, Sept. 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exams will consist of a digital rectal exam and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that 218,890 new cases of Prostate Cancer will be diagnosed in 2007 and as many as 27,050 men will die from the disease.
The American Urological Association and the Prostate Cancer Education Council recommend that men over the age of 45 undergo an annual prostate evaluation. Men who are part of population groups with high rates of prostate cancer, including African Americans and those with a family history of the disease, should begin these annual tests at age 40.
"Regular checkups made it possible for me to be cured of cancer," said Larry Ball, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer as the result of his exam at the hospital's screening last year. "I had no symptoms of prostate cancer, but the screening at Cabell Huntington Hospital helped me detect it. You owe it to yourself and your family to get tested."
The screening will take place at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, and because exams will be given on a first come, first served basis, no appointment is necessary. Further information is available by calling (304) 526-2695.
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