Jeff Wyatt, a WRHS employee and one of the many volunteers during the White River Medical Center Prostate Cancer Screening, collects a sample from a participant to test his PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) level. Over 300 men were screened, and 35 of those men were encouraged to follow-up with their provider due to an abnormality found in either their PSA or their physical exam.
White River Medical Center (WRMC) in association with Drs. John Allgood, Hunter Brown, and Robert Emery, and APRN, Carla Smith, recently wrapped up its annual Free Prostate Cancer Screening event. During the three-hour event, 306 men were screened. Of the participants, over 35 men were encouraged to follow-up with their provider.
The free Prostate Cancer Screening is held in recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men.
In the event’s 22 years, thousands of men have attended, and hundreds of abnormalities have been detected either in the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, and/or the physical exam, according to WRMC. All participants are mailed their results after the event.
Approximately 30 hospital employees volunteered their time to organize and manage the event. The WRMC Surgery Clinic staff provided education on colon cancer.
“This event is one way White River Health System (WRHS) is focused on creating a healthier community,” said Gary Paxson, president and CEO of White River Health System. “I want to thank all the volunteers for their dedication of time and skills to make this event possible.”
“While there has been significant progress during the past 10 years, prostate cancer is still a deadly disease for some men, making this screening an important community service,” said Michele Wood, WRHS marketing director. “Oftentimes, prostate cancer symptoms are not present in the early stages, which is why we feel this event is very important.”
The American Cancer Society estimates about 174,650 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019.
Men should be screened for prostate cancer beginning at age 50. African American men or men with a family history of the disease should be screened beginning at age 40.
WRMC offers several treatment options for men suffering from Prostate Cancer including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), da Vinci prostatectomy, brachytherapy (a form of radiation therapy), and cryotherapy (a treatment method using cold temperatures). Men should consult a urologist to discuss treatment options.
Image via White River Medical Center
