Alton Memorial Hospital

Men�s Cancer Screening July 15

ALTON, IL � Ironically, the best time to see a doctor is when you aren�t sick � so you can keep it that way. Early prostate cancer, for example, usually doesn�t cause any symptoms and is most often found through screening. That�s why Alton Memorial Hospital is offering a free men�s cancer screening from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, in the AMH Cancer Care Center, 6 Memorial Drive.

Dr. Alan Stein, urologist, and Mark Woodson, medical oncologist, will be conducting the screenings for prostate and colorectal cancers, which include a PSA blood test, digital rectal exam, hemoccult test and urinalysis. Men ages 50-70 or those at high risk can be screened for prostate and colorectal cancer. High-risk men include African-Americans and those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Screenings are recommended on an annual basis. Space is limited for the July 15 event and appointments are required by calling 800-392-0936.

Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. A digital rectal exam is another way to detect prostate cancer. A doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel whether there are any bumps or hard areas in your prostate. That sometimes finds cancer in men with normal PSA levels. But the PSA and digital rectal exam work in tandem to more likely find any cancer at an early, more treatable stage, especially if you have routine yearly exams.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dave Whaley - Senior Coordinator, Public Relations
618-433-7947
drw5445@bjc.org