Although prostate cancer is the second most common and second most deadly type of cancer, it has a high survival rate when detected early. Ephraim McDowell is making it easier for prostate cancer to be detected early.
Ephraim McDowell Urology and Ephraim McDowell Community Service are offering free screenings for prostate cancer on September 9 and 23. Appointments for the free screenings can be scheduled by calling (859) 239-2740. Calls for scheduling appointments will be accepted Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. A limited number of screening appointments are available.
The free screenings will be available at the Ephraim McDowell Urology office (230 West Main Street, Suite 102, Danville) during the following times:
- Saturday, September 9, 8 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, September 23, 8 a.m. to noon
The free prostate cancer screening will consist of a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test, which measures the prostate specific antigen produced by the prostate.
To fit the criteria to be screened, all participants must:
- Not currently be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- Be over the age of 40, or over the age of 35 if at high risk.
- Not have had a PSA (blood test for prostate cancer) in the past year.
According to the American Cancer Society’s estimates, 288,300 cases of prostate cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2023, and 34,700 men are anticipated to die from the disease. About one in eight men will have prostate cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic black men. About six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and is rare in men under 40. The average age of men when they are first diagnosed is about 66.
Screening for prostate cancer is important because the disease usually has no symptoms, especially in its earliest stages. Typical symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- weak or interrupted flow of urine
- inability to urinate or difficulty in beginning to urinate
- need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- blood in urine or semen
- continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs