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

(Topeka, Kan., Aug. 20, 2008) – Appointments are now being made for a free prostate cancer screening clinic sponsored by Cotton-O’Neil Cancer Center and local urology physicians. Appointments for the clinic on Sept. 22, 23 and 25, 2008 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 back parking lot (north side of the building) and follow signage to the door.

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 is nearly a 100 percent survival rate. However, it is important to remember that many men have no symptoms or warning signs. Screening is the only 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.

Both the American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society recommend annual prostate cancer screenings for men, age 50 to 70, and annual screenings beginning at age 40 for men at high risk. African-American men have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer during their lifetime, and men with a family history of prostate cancer also have an increased risk of developing the disease.

Men age 40 and older who have a history of prostate cancer in their family, and men age 50 and older who have not had a rectal examination or PSA blood test within the last year are encouraged to attend this screening.