PAOLI, Pa., August 2008 — According to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, one in six men will get prostate cancer, but if caught early nearly 100% survive.

As September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Paoli Hospital is reaching out in hopes of educating community men about prostate cancer prevention. Paoli Hospital is offering a free prostate screening, provided by board certified urologists and radiation oncologists, on September 22, 2008, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. in the Paoli Hospital Cancer Center. The free prostate screening includes a PSA blood test and a simple physical exam. Other activities will include a demonstration of the DaVinci Robot and will highlight the latest equipment for treatment of prostate cancer.

“Early detection improves the chances of successful treatment, yet men rarely experience symptoms of prostate cancer while it is still in the early stages,” explains Gregory Ochsner, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Paoli Hospital. “For this reason, regular screening is imperative for men age 50 and older and greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.”

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. More than 80 percent of new diagnoses are in men over 65. However, men with a family history of prostate cancer and all African American men with or without a family history have a higher than average risk.

Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include weak or interrupted urine flow; inability to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping the flow; the need to urinate more frequently, especially at night; blood in the urine; pain or burning during urination; and continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs.

To register for the screening or for more information on prostate health, please call 1-866-CALL-MLH.

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Media Contact:
Bridget Therriault
Public Relations
610-526-8763

Published:8-15-2008