Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. One in six men will be diagnosed with the disease in his lifetime.
“It is important that men discuss screening for prostate cancer with their physicians,” said Daniel Fried, M.D., a Gibbs Cancer Center radiation oncologist. “Men can have this disease and not experience any symptoms, and there is a lot of confusion involving who should be screened. Talk to your physician, and share your family history to determine what is right for you.”
The American Cancer Society recommends that men discuss prostate cancer screenings with their doctors. Men with more than one close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer should begin the conversation at age 40. African-American men and those with a relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before 65 should have the talk at 45. All other men should have the discussion at 50.
South Carolina ranks fourth in the nation for prostate cancer deaths. There are more than 2.5 million men living in the United States after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Gibbs Cancer Center will host free prostate cancer screenings Sept. 17 and 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Gibbs Cancer Center, 101 East Wood Street, Spartanburg. A screening will also be held Sept. 24 from 5-7 p.m. at Gibbs Cancer Center at Gaffney, 724 Hyatt Street, Gaffney.
Call 864-560-7999 to register for the screenings.