Press Release
Sutter Solano Cancer Center Marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
More than 218,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, and about 27,000 men will die from the disease, according to the latest statistics. However, with survival rates near 85 percent if detected early and when at lower risk, prostate cancer awareness and screening can offer more treatment options with curative intent.
In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Sutter Solano Cancer Center (SSCC) is conducting a free prostate cancer screening in September.
“The early detection of prostate cancer depends on the results of both the digital prostate exam and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. As there are few symptoms which accompany prostate cancer in its initial stage, screening becomes even more important,” explained Chris Anderson, M.D., a radiation oncologist on staff at the Sutter Solano Cancer Center. “The benefit of an earlier detection is the opportunity for more treatment options, and a greater likelihood of such chosen treatment delivering the curative intent.”
The testing recommended by the American Cancer Society is a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam annually starting at age 50. It is known that men at higher risk, including those with a family history of prostate cancer or African American males, should consider starting screening at age 45.
Free prostate screenings will be held Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8.p.m at Sutter Solano Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Drive in Vallejo, Calif.
For more information on eligibility and registration for SSCC’s annual prostate cancer screening, contact the Sutter Solano Cancer Resource Center at 707-554-5326. Additional resources are also available through the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, which provides information on prevention, detection, treatment and prostate cancer fundraising projects.
Contact:
Russell Neilson, supervisor, communications and marketing, 707-554-5123