Media Releases
Free Prostate Cancer Screenings
Worth the Wait
Abnormal Results Found in 15% of ParticipantsMilwaukee (June 27, 2007) — Of the 405 men screened for prostate cancer at a free event last month at Miller Park, nearly 15 percent had an abnormal PSA (prostate specific antigen) score and about 10 percent had an abnormal physical prostate exam. The one-day event was sponsored by Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, FOX 6, the Milwaukee Brewers and the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) to emphasize the importance of early detection in surviving prostate cancer.
The participants received their test results in the mail several weeks after the screening. The NPCC conducts an extensive follow-up process with everyone whose test results are abnormal to ensure they seek care.
“We’re extremely pleased that so many men showed up for the event because early detection is the key to curing prostate cancer,” said William See, MD, a prostate cancer specialist practicing at Froedtert Hospital and chairman of urologic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. “Many of the men we saw that day said they had never had a prostate exam before. These are exactly the people we want to reach.”
The average age of the screening participants was 58. According to Dr. See, the risk of prostate cancer increases after age 50 for men in general, and for African-American men, the risk goes up after age 40.
The men received two tests: a blood test to measure the amount of PSA in the blood and a physical examination of the prostate gland. The screenings were conducted in 39-foot clinic vehicle operated by the NPCC. Equipped just as a doctor’s office would be, the vehicle is custom-designed to provide health care to men in a comfortable, private environment. Screenings were free and confidential, performed by Medical College of Wisconsin physicians and other clinical experts from Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin.
The novelty of the baseball park venue, the Milwaukee Brewers’ strong performance this year and the lure of free Brewers’ tickets to each participant drew an unexpectedly large crowd. Many men waited in line for several hours but there were few complaints.
“Everyone seemed to be in good spirits despite the long wait,” See said. “Some of the guys said there was some real male bonding going on out there.”
Author: Kathy Sieja Last Review Date: June 27, 2007 |