September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Cancer Program of OLOL and MBP Together Offering Free Screenings
Photo available for download. Captions available at end of release.
(Baton Rouge) – Prostate cancer awareness is important during any month but especially during September, the month designated as national Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. During September, public education is heightened and free screenings, such as those jointly held by the comprehensive Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL) and Mary Bird Perkins (MBP), are offered to the public in hopes of reaching as many men as possible.
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly prostate screenings for African American men beginning at age 45, as they are at higher risk for this type of cancer than any other ethnic group. All other races should begin at age 50. Men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin five years earlier than the recommended ages.
Although prostate cancer is not preventable, early detection and prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death. “If you are a male of appropriate age, do not have a doctor and have not been screened for prostate cancer in the past year, come to one of the free screenings Mary Bird Perkins and Our Lady of the Lake are sponsoring together during September,” urged Renea Austin-Duffin, executive director, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s CARE Network. “It could save your life.”
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American men. “Early detection is vital,” said Kevin Guidry, cancer center administrator, OLOL. “The sooner prostate cancer is detected, the more options there are for treatment and one’s chances for survival are increased significantly.” Guidry explained that the prostate exam involves a PSA blood test and a DRE – or digital rectal exam. “This is the gold standard for accuracy and men should know that we do not do one test without the other.”
The following is a list of free prostate cancer screenings being offered jointly by the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins in September:
Saturday, September 8th
“Bring it Home” Event
Greater Beulah Baptist Church
955 E. Polk Street
Baton Rouge, LA
10 am - 2 pm
Thursday, September 13
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
4950 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA
6 pm - 7:30 pm
Appointment required, please call 225-215-1234
Saturday, September 22
Webb’s Barbershop
414 Eddie Robinson (off Government Street)
Baton Rouge, LA
9 am - 12 pm
Friday, September 28
Wal-Mart
10200 Sullivan Road
Central , LA
10 am --1 pm
For more information please visit www.ololrmc.com or www.marybird.org.
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The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins is the most comprehensive cancer program in the region offering patients the convenience of receiving high-quality, advanced cancer care in one location, close to home. The Cancer Program offers surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and has been accredited by The American College of Surgeons since 1992 – the gold-standard for community-based cancer care. This program was recently selected for the prestigious National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) Pilot. A successful pilot will lead to the nationwide launch of the NCCCP in 2010. For more information on our cancer program and the NCCCP pilot, please visit www.ololrmc.com or www.marybird.org.