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Prostate cancer, a stealthy and dangerous killer, is the second most common cancer and a leading cause of death in American men, according to the American Cancer Society. ACS also estimates that approximately 240,890 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 33,720 deaths are expected this year.
In fact, one out of every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
In recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Jonathan Bernie, MD, a Norwalk Hospital urologist, is conducting free prostate cancer screenings in September. The screenings are offered to men between the ages of 50 and 70 who either have no insurance or no primary care physician and no history of prostate cancer. They will take place Sept. 21 and 28, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Whittingham Cancer Center.
Research shows that men at high risk should be screened at age 40. High risk includes those with a family history of prostate cancer and/or men of African American descent.
The screenings will consist of two exams, the digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Theses screenings are intended to bring awareness to the importance of regular prostate cancer screenings. If caught and treated early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.
Warning signs for serious prostate problems can include weak or interrupted flow of urine, the need to urinate frequently, blood in the urine and continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis and upper thighs.
Pre-registration is required for the prostate cancer screening. For more information, call the Whittingham Cancer Center at (203) 852-2148. There are a limited number of appointments available and will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis.
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