By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph is offering free prostate cancer screenings this weekend
Dr. Andrew Walker at the Mosaic Cancer Center says getting these prostate screenings is important
“The United States Preventative Task Force actually recommended against prostate cancer screening years ago, and what we found was that prostate cancer mortality went up dramatically,” Walker tells reporters. “So, we’ve learned that if we can diagnose prostate cancer at an earlier stage, we’re more likely to be able to cure more prostate cancers.”
The screenings will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Cancer Center. Walker says patients who come in should expect just a simple blood draw
“It’s as simple as any other blood test, there’s nothing else invasive about the whole process, and we do have the results back within a few days,” Walker says.
Mallory Lefler a nurse at the Cancer Center says screening and early detection are the keys with treating any sort of cancer
“With breast cancer you have mammograms, with colon cancer you have colonoscopies, this is one of those things you can do to at least catch things in the earlier process as Dr. Walker had said,” Lefler explains. “So, just taking power over your health really, being an active advocate for yourself, and just coming in and making that step.”
Prostate cancer affects one in eight men and men age 50 and older are encouraged to get a screening to take the steps to help protect their health.
Walker says holding this free event at Mosaic is two-fold
“One we take the cost factor out of this for those in the community,” Walker says. “And also, if guys have been putting this off you don’t have to make an appointment, we do prefer if you schedule ahead, but if you’re available and just want to drop in and have a free PSA test it kind of takes out any of the planning involved in seeing your primary care physician.”
It’s encouraged to register ahead of time on Mosaic Life Care’s website but walk ins will be accepted. The event will run from 4 to 7pm on Friday and 8 to 11am on Saturday.
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