MONROE - While prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in American males, many men remain hesitant to learn about the disease.
To address the need for increased awareness, Monroe Clinic and Urologist Kenneth Sparr, MD, are presenting "Prostate Health" at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, in Founders Hall of Monroe Clinic in Monroe, and at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at The Rafters in Lena, Ill. Refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend this event. To register, call (877) 865-1462 or visit www.monroeclinic.org and click on "Classes and Events."
In addition, Monroe Clinic will offer free prostate cancer screenings from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13, and from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in Monroe Clinic's Urology Department. Screening spaces are limited, and appointments are required. To schedule a screening, call (608) 324-2300. The screenings will consist of:
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. When there's a problem with the prostate, more PSA can be released, until it reaches a level considered above "normal."
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A prostate that is irregular in size, shape, or texture can often be detected through a DRE, during which a health care provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and examines the prostate.
Although both of these tests cannot diagnose prostate cancer, they can indicate the need for further testing.
"Early detection of prostate cancer is essential because it most often appears with little or no warning signs," says Kenneth Sparr, MD, board-certified urologist for Monroe Clinic. "The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men begin routine screenings for prostate cancer at age 50 - and at age 40 for African Americans and those with a family history of the disease."
To address the need for increased awareness, Monroe Clinic and Urologist Kenneth Sparr, MD, are presenting "Prostate Health" at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, in Founders Hall of Monroe Clinic in Monroe, and at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at The Rafters in Lena, Ill. Refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend this event. To register, call (877) 865-1462 or visit www.monroeclinic.org and click on "Classes and Events."
In addition, Monroe Clinic will offer free prostate cancer screenings from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13, and from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in Monroe Clinic's Urology Department. Screening spaces are limited, and appointments are required. To schedule a screening, call (608) 324-2300. The screenings will consist of:
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. When there's a problem with the prostate, more PSA can be released, until it reaches a level considered above "normal."
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A prostate that is irregular in size, shape, or texture can often be detected through a DRE, during which a health care provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and examines the prostate.
Although both of these tests cannot diagnose prostate cancer, they can indicate the need for further testing.
"Early detection of prostate cancer is essential because it most often appears with little or no warning signs," says Kenneth Sparr, MD, board-certified urologist for Monroe Clinic. "The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men begin routine screenings for prostate cancer at age 50 - and at age 40 for African Americans and those with a family history of the disease."
