Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States, after skin cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports about 288,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. About one in eight men are diagnosed during their lifetime. The good news is most men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive. An estimated 3 million men who have been diagnosed are still living now.

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of prostate cancer cases in our area,” said Timothy J. Wallace, M.D., Ph.D., radiation oncologist for VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. “It is crucial that every man have an informed discussion with their primary care physician regarding the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening.”

Most prostate cancers are found early through screening. The ACS recommends screening for men 50 and older with no family history. Like most types of cancer, it is easier to treat if caught early. More progressive prostate cancers can cause symptoms including problems urinating, blood in urine or semen, trouble getting an erection, pain in the hips, back or chest, and weakness or numbness in the lower extremities.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will host a free prostate screening event on Nov. 15, 2023 from 4 to 6 p.m. Participants will receive a prostate exam and have blood drawn for a P.S.A. (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. 

“We want to make sure every man has access to this important screening,” said Kayla Trask, oncology director for VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and organizer of the screening event. “We caught a few abnormalities at this screening last year and referred patients for follow-up with a specialist. We received positive feedback from the participants who were very appreciative of the screening.”

Registration is required prior to the event. Limited slots are available. To register, please call Trask at (434) 447-0875. The Solari Radiation Therapy Center is located at 750 Lombardy Street, in South Hill, Virginia. 

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