Cotton-O'Neil Cancer Center and Local Urology Physicians Offer Free Prostate Cancer Screening Clinic

(Topeka, Kan., Aug. 29, 2011) - Appointments are now being made for a free prostate cancer screening clinic sponsored by Cotton-O'Neil Cancer Center and local urology physicians. Screening appointments will be 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, and can be made by calling Health Connections at (785) 354-5225

The clinic will be at the Cotton-O'Neil Cancer Center, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave., Topeka. Those with appointments should park in the front parking lot (south side of the building). This screening clinic is part of a nationwide campaign to detect prostate cancer early.

Screenings take about 15-20 minutes and include a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam performed by a trained medical professional. This test measures the blood level of PSA, a protein produced by prostate cells. The combination of both tests provides an even higher diagnostic accuracy rate.

If prostate cancer is detected early, there can be a high survival rate. However, it is important to remember that many men have no symptoms or warning signs. Screening is one way to detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages. One in six men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime but all men experience greater risk as they age.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men have the opportunity to make an informed decision with their health care provider about screening for prostate cancer after receiving information about the uncertainties, risks and potential benefits associated with the screening. This information should be provided to men at age 40 who have a history of prostate cancer in multiple family members before the age of 65; African-American men and men with a first degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before 65 need the information at age 45; and men at average risk should receive the information at age 50. If men have questions about participation in the screening, they should consult with their physician for further information and discussion.