Karmanos Cancer Center Offers Free Prostate Cancer Screening Test at Kroger in Ferndale, Saturday, Jan. 29
DETROIT, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center and Kroger are teaming up to promote prostate cancer awareness and early detection with free prostate cancer screening tests from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Kroger store at 8920 Eight Mile Road in Ferndale. The event also includes free giveaways and prizes.
One in six men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 217,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 32,050 lost their lives from the disease in 2010. Only men can get prostate cancer.
A simple blood test can determine problems within the prostate that could lead to cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized organ located behind the bladder. Men can receive the blood test at Kroger, which is free, easy and confidential.
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in males and certain factors increase a man's risk, including being African American; age 50 or older (45 or older for African Americans); those with a family history of prostate cancer, especially a father, son or brother with prostate cancer before age 65; and those with a high-fat diet.
"Early stage prostate cancer usually does not have any symptoms, so it's important for men to get the blood test that can alert a health care provider to the presence of cancer," said Elisabeth Heath, M.D., director, Prostate Cancer Research and Associate Professor of Oncology at Karmanos and Wayne State University School of Medicine. "The test that we'll be providing is fast and easy. We encourage everyone to be proactive when it comes to cancer screenings."
Men age 45 and older should consider starting prostate screenings if they are at an increased risk of prostate cancer and 50 if they are at an average risk for prostate cancer.
Men can also follow general guidelines for lowering their risk of prostate cancer, including eating foods low in fat; consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, and limiting their alcohol intake to two servings or less each day.
For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266).
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Karmanos is southeastern Michigan's most preferred hospital for cancer care according to annual surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.
SOURCE Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
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