Free prostate screenings at Doctors Medical Center

From the Globe Richmond Desk

The Regional Cancer Center at Doctors Medical Center will offer free prostate cancer screenings on Sept. 26 beginning at 8:30 a.m.
   Courtesy of community urologist Robert Agee, MD, the free screenings are for men over the age of 40 or men with family history of prostate cancer. The screenings are by appointment only by calling (510) 970-5236.
    “As a cancer survivor of 23 years, I know that the key to fighting cancer is prevention, early diagnosis and treatment,” said Joe Stewart, CEO. “The first step is to get tested and that is why we encourage men in the community to take advantage of this potentially life-saving screening. I cannot stress enough the importance of early detection.”
    Prostate cancer incidents are up among men, but the death rate associated with prostate cancer is down. The American Cancer Society says increased testing and earlier diagnosis is likely the reason.
    Testing is particularly important for African American men, who are at an increased risk and, according to recent studies, have a higher death rate from prostate cancer than white men. Risk factors for the development of prostate cancer include simply being a male over the age of 40, being of African American or Latino heritage, or having a family history of prostate cancer.