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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

UMC to Provide Screenings for Prostate Cancer

Screenings Provided at the Lied Ambulatory Center, 1524 Pinto Lane

The National Prostate Cancer Coalition states that one in every six men will get prostate cancer sometime in his life. Over 186,320 new cases are expected this year. Additionally, the Coalition states that the chances of getting prostate cancer are one in three if you have just one close relative such as a father or a brother with the disease. September is National Prostate Awareness Month. In recognition of this health observance, University Medical Center will provide prostate cancer screenings on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the UMC Lied Ambulatory Care Center, 1524 Pinto Lane. These screenings are available at a discounted price to men 45 years old and older.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE) make up the prostate cancer screening. The PSA test will cost $20. The DRE is free. No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.

According to the American Cancer Society, men should have a yearly prostate-specific antigen blood test and digital rectal exam beginning at age 50. Men at high risk, such as African-Americans and men with a family history of the disease (father, brother or son diagnosed with prostate cancer at an age younger than 65) should start annual screening at 45. Early detection of prostate cancer can increase chances of survival.

“We think it is so important for men in our community to get screened for prostate cancer,” says Doris Cowell, UMC oncology program coordinator. She continued, “In light of the statistics, there are likely thousands of men in the Las Vegas valley who either have or will have prostate cancer, but with early detection there’s hope.”

Call 207-8265 for recorded information about this screening program.

Contact Information:
Tammy McMahan , Public Relations Specialist
(702) 383-3617
Tammy.McMahan@umcsn.com
University Medical Center
1800 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102