On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Urology Health Foundation will hold a free prostate cancer screening for men 40 years of age and older from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Perry County Health Department on 1748 South Washington Street in Marion, Alabama. No appointments are needed.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. Age and race are the strongest risk factors for prostate cancer. African- American men are at special risk for the disease, with the highest death rate for prostate cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. A man’s risk of prostate cancer also increases if he has a close relative with the disease. It is now more important than ever for those at highest risk of developing prostate cancer to be screened if they have delayed being screened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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– called a digital rectal exam or DRE–is also given to detect prostate cancer. Together, these tests take about 10 minutes to perform and could save a man’s life.
Early detection and treatment are key factors in addressing prostate cancer. That is why on Saturday, September 21, 2024 men are encouraged to come to the Perry County Health Department to be screened. For more information about this free screening, please contact the Perry County Health Department at 334-683-6153.
