Milwaukee, WI (April 14, 2008) — Hoping to repeat last year’s success, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Fox 6-TV, the Milwaukee Brewers and the National Prostate Cancer Coalition are joining together again to encourage men to protect themselves against prostate cancer.

Set for Tuesday, April 29 (rain or shine), from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm at Miller Park, the free, private, confidential screenings will take place in a mobile clinic near the TGI Friday’s restaurant in the northeast corner of the ball park. No appointment is necessary; screenings will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to men age 40 and older. The first 500 eligible participants who complete the screening will receive a voucher good for two tickets to a future Milwaukee Brewers home game.

“Just being a man puts you at risk for prostate cancer,” said William See, MD, chairman of urologic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. See specializes in prostate cancer and practices at Froedtert Hospital. “Picture a half-dozen guys tailgating at Miller Park. One of them will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.”

Early detection is the key to beating prostate cancer. “For all men, the risk of prostate cancer goes up at age 50, and for African-American men, the risk elevates at age 40,” See said. “Getting checked takes less than a half-hour out of your day but if you do have cancer, finding it early could save your life.”

The screenings will be conducted in a 39-foot clinic vehicle operated by the National Prostate Cancer Coalition. Equipped just as a doctor’s office would be, the custom-designed vehicle provides a comfortable, private environment. Screenings will be performed by Medical College physicians and other clinical experts from Froedtert & the Medical College. Exams will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The screening takes about 20 minutes. Wait times will depend on demand.

Screening involves a blood test to measure the amount of prostate specific antigen, or PSA, in the blood, and a physical examination of the prostate gland. Participants will know the results of their physical exam immediately; PSA test results will be mailed within four weeks.

More than 400 men were screened at the event in 2007 and nearly 15 percent had abnormal PSA results and about 10 percent had abnormal physical prostate exam results.

Author: Kathy Sieja

Date: April 21, 2008

Online Editor(s): Rich Petre