MidHudson Regional Hospital Offering Free Prostate Screenings On Tuesday, September 22

MidHudson Regional Hospital Offering Free Prostate Screenings On Tuesday, September 22

9/8/2015

The Redl Center for Cancer Care at MidHudson Regional Hospital is offering free prostate screenings for uninsured or underinsured members of the Hudson Valley community on Tuesday, September 22 from 9 a.m. until noon.  While there is no cost, appointments are required by calling 845.483.5997.  The screenings are given in partnership with Premier Medical Group.

"A prostate cancer screening can lead to earlier detection, potentially enabling the cancer to be discovered before it causes symptoms," said Lawrence Koutcher, MD, Medical Director of the Herb and Sue Ann Redl Center for Cancer Care at MidHudson Regional Hospital.  "By finding the cancer earlier, the chances of successfully treating prostate cancer can be significantly improved."

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.  One of the most common cancers among American men, more than 220,000 Americans will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015 alone, with over 27,000 deaths.  It is recommended that any male over 50 years of age, or 40 years if the patient is especially at risk or has a family history of the disease, should receive a screening.   African-American males are also statistically more at risk than the general population and should be extra vigilant about screening.

"Screening consists of an examination that enables the health care practitioner to feel for any bumps in the prostate and assess its size," said Dr. Koutcher. "A blood test is also performed to measure a patient's PSA level. PSA is made by the prostate, and can be elevated in men with prostate cancer." 

In addition to offering this free community screening, MidHudson Regional Hospital is proud to partner with the Premier Cares Foundation as the sponsor of their 6^th Annual Prostate Cancer Walk on Saturday, September 26.  Held on the Walkway Over the Hudson, money raised supports local charities and prostate programs across the area.  For registration, visit premiermedicalhv.com.

For more information about prostate cancer, visit pcf.org.