Cabell Huntington Hospital’s (CHH) Senior Services will provide free prostate cancer screenings for men over 50 on Friday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CHH/Marshall atrium.
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men, but early detection and new treatments, such as minimally invasive robotic surgery, are offering men a better chance for a cure.
During the event, men will receive a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The test measures the level of PSA in the blood. The blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer or a number of benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate).
“It is important for us, as an organization, to provide opportunities to screen for early detection of cancer,” said Teresa Sexton, RN, director of Nursing and Senior Services at CHH. “We are in the business of saving lives. And providing an event like this will hopefully encourage men to come and get screened and learn more about how to receive the care they need.”
Men who should participate in this free screening include those:
- Age 50 and older
- Who have not previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer
- Who have not had their prostate surgically removed
- Who have not had a prostate exam in the past six months
“I personally have a passion for early detection,” said Sexton. “Because of a screening like what we are offering, my husband was diagnosed early. It saved his life.”
In addition to the free screening, participants can visit several other hospital services to discuss more about men’s health and provide information on health and wellness. For more information, contact Senior Services at 304.526.2695 or email seniors@chhi.org.
