August 28, 2017– About one in seven men will face a prostate cancer
diagnosis in their lifetime, and about one in 39 men will die of prostate
cancer, making it the third leading cause of cancer death among American
men, according to the American Cancer Society. While prostate cancer can
be a serious disease, most men who are diagnosed actually do not die from
it. In the United States alone, there are more than 2.9 million prostate
cancer survivors thanks to early detection and treatment.
In support of early detection, Southeast Georgia Health System is offering
free prostate cancer screenings in Brantley, Glynn and McIntosh counties
during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September. Screenings will
also be available in Camden County on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Community
Health and Wellness Fair.
Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. When symptoms do occur,
they may include a need to urinate frequently, especially at night, difficulty
starting or holding back urination, inability to urinate, weak or interrupted
urine flow, painful or burning urination, erectile dysfunction, painful
ejaculation, blood in urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in
the lower back, hips or upper thighs. Numbness or weakness in the legs
or feet, or even a loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing
on the spinal cord are also signs of prostate cancer.
Early detection is essential to successfully treat prostate cancer. The
relative survival rate is over 96 percent if found and treated early,
proof that screenings do save lives. The free prostate screenings provided
by the Health System include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific
antigen (PSA) blood test. The purpose of the rectal exam is to feel the
prostate gland to determine if there is an area of firmness. The PSA blood
test looks for elevated proteins produced by the prostate. A physician
will review the DRE and PSA results together to determine if further testing
is needed.
Appointments are not necessary for the free screening. Men age 40 or older,
or anyone with a family history of prostate cancer, are encouraged to
attend. Results will be mailed to participants. The screening schedule
is as follows:
Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Camden County Recreation Center, 1050 Wildcat Dr., Kingsland
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 4-7 p.m.
Brantley Family Medicine Center, 21300 Hwy. 82, Suite C, Waynesville
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 4-7 p.m.
McIntosh Family Medicine Center, 1022 Miller Lane SW, Darien
Thursday, Sept. 14, 4-7 p.m.
Southeast Georgia Health System Outpatient Care Center, 2500 Starling
St., Brunswick
For more information, call 1-855-ASK-SGHS (1-855-275-7447) or visit
sghs.org/screenings.