August 1, 2019– Did you know that about one in nine men will face
a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime? According to the American
Cancer Society, about one in 41 men will die of prostate cancer, making
it the third leading cause of cancer death among American men. However,
there are more than 2.9 million prostate cancer survivors due to early
detection and treatment.
Understanding the importance 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. 17 at the
Community Health & Wellness Fair.
There are usually no symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer.
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.
To treat prostate cancer successfully, early detection is the key. 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 will include a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood
test. The PSA blood test looks for elevated proteins produced by the prostate.
A physician will review the PSA results to determine if further testing
is needed.
No appointments are necessary for the free screening. Men age 40 or older,
or those with a family history of prostate cancer, are encouraged to attend.
Screening results will be mailed to participants. The screening schedule
is as follows:
Saturday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Camden County Recreation Center, 1050 Wildcat Dr., Kingsland
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 4-7 p.m.
Brantley Family Medicine Center, 21300 Hwy. 82, Suite C, Waynesville
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 4-7 p.m.
McIntosh Family Medicine Center, 1022 Miller Lane SW, Darien
Thursday, Sept. 12, 4-7 p.m.
Southeast Georgia Health System, Brunswick Campus, Outpatient Care Center,
2500 Starling St., Brunswick
For more information, call 855-ASK-SGHS (855-275-7447) or visit
sghs.org/screenings.