St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Offers Free Prostate Cancer Screenings

Pontiac, Mich.—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) will offer free prostate cancer screenings from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in the Robin L. and James E. Henderson Medical Clinic, located on the first floor of the hospital.  SJMO is located at 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer, other than skin cancer, found in American men.  It also is the second leading cause of cancer death in men.  The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2009, there will be about 192,280 cases in the U.S., with 27,360 deaths from the disease. One in six men will get prostate cancer in his lifetime.

 But there’s hope.  Early detection has been found to save lives.  Two tests are available to determine if prostate cancer is present.  A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test involves drawing a small amount of blood from the arm, which is examined for high levels of PSA—a protein produced by prostate cells that is released in very small amounts in the bloodstream.  A Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) checks for abnormalities in the prostate.

 Many health experts encourage men age 50 and up get annual PSA and DRE tests. Men under 50 should get screened if they have a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors.  Prostate risk factors are:

            · Family history:  The risk is higher if a man’s father, brother or son has prostate cancer.

• · Ethnic group:  Prostate cancer is more common in African American men, but the reason why is unknown.
• · Diet:  Some studies suggest a diet rich in red meat or high-fat dairy products can cause an increased risk.

 “In our continuing effort to improve the health of the people of our community, we are pleased to make this screening available,” said Jack Weiner, SJMO president and CEO.  “We hope that men will take advantage of this vitally important, life-saving screening.”

 Men who are interested in having the screening should register by calling St. Joseph Mercy Oakland’s referral line at 1-800-372-6094.  Walk-ins also are welcome.