Annual Prostate Cancer Screening –
The Most Common Cancer in Men
Know Your Score – Men Who Know Their PSA Score
are Less Likely to Die from Prostate Cancer
Brazosport Regional Health System will host their annual screening for prostate cancer on Friday, September 24th between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Brazosport Regional Cancer Center in Lake Jackson.
The screening will consist of a prostate specific antigen test and an optional digital rectal exam (DRE). A blood test to measure prostate specific antigen (PSA) is considered the most effective test currently available for early detection of prostate cancer. However, a man’s PSA level alone does not give doctors enough information to distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer therefore DRE is combined with the screening to detect for bumps or abnormal areas.
Doctors recommend prostate cancer screening for men over the age of 50, however men who are at higher risk for prostate cancer should start screening at age 45. Several risk factors for prostate cancer include family history, race and possibly diet. Some studies suggest that developing the disease can be related to genetics. Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer. In addition, more African-American men are more likely to have prostate cancer. Another risk factor is diet, men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer.
In observance of Prostate Cancer Month, Brazosport Regional offers free prostate cancer screenings for the community each year and urges men to “Know Your Score.” Men who know their PSA score are three times less likely to die from prostate cancer. Getting a PSA test at Brazosport Regional this year will put you in the drawing to win football tickets.
For an appointment or for more information about the screenings, please call 979-285-1822. Attendees must have an appointment and a limited amount of space is available. Brazosport Regional Laboratory Services in collaboration with Drs. Bonnen, Berger, and Blake will be administering the PSA blood test and DRE.
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