Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. For African-American men, the likelihood increases to one in six, and they are twice as likely to die from it as white men.
To help combat the danger, Putnam General Hospital (PGH), a Navicent Health Partner, is offering prostate cancer screenings Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., throughout the month of September.
Screening for prostate cancer involves a blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein. PSA screening provides early detection of prostate cancer in some men who never would have become symptomatic.
Men are recommended to begin screening for prostate cancer at age 40; however, if a family history exists of a father or brother having prostate cancer, screening should begin five years earlier.
Early-stage prostate cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms, but when experienced, symptoms commonly include:
• Trouble urinating
• Frequent urination • Decreased force of urination
• Difficulty starting or stopping urine stream
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
• Bone pain Lifestyle factors, including exercise and healthy eating, can play a significant role in mitigating health risks or improving health equity and outcomes. While eating healthy and exercising cannot guarantee anyone from getting cancer, research shows it can lower the risk.
PGH and Navicent is sponsoring this screening as a public health awareness program and does not have a hospital- patient relationship with participants. Putnam General Hospital, Navicent Health Partner and/or physicians are not liable for any participant who does not provide an accurate medical history or fails to follow up with their personal physician regarding abnormal test results.
Anyone with questions should call PGH at 706-485-2711, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or visit the PGH front desk and ask for a registration form before being directed to the lab. – Contributed