Cancer Center urges early detection in highest risk groups
(Baton Rouge, La.) For hundreds of men in the Baton Rouge area, getting a haircut now means cutting their risk for prostate cancer, too. Each year in September, which is designated as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center holds its annual barbershop screening to increase awareness and early detection of the disease. This year’s event will once again take place at Webb’s Barber Shop, 414 Eddie Robinson Drive, Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
African-American black males remain the target population for the effort. Studies have shown that they have a 60 percent higher risk of prostate cancer compared to Caucasians, in large part because they often lack access to routine healthcare. African Americans are almost 2.5 times more likely to die of the disease than Caucasians, studies show.
“Prostate cancer hits African-American men especially hard,” said Sheldon Johnson, M.D., radiation oncologist, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center. “Males in this community are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer that is more aggressive and more advanced than are men of other ethnicities. They are also more likely to develop the disease at a younger age. Early detection is still the best way to catch this cancer and beat it.”
Prostate screenings are for men age 50 and older who do not have a doctor or have not been screened in the past 12 months. Those at higher risk such as African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should consider being screened beginning at age 45. The prostate cancer screening includes a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and a digital rectal exam performed by a doctor.
Because the American Cancer Society recommends discussing prostate screening with a medical professional to determine if it is right for you, clinicians from the Cancer Center will be on hand to answer questions about the risks and benefits of prostate screening for those who would like more information.
Following is a list of additional free prostate cancer screenings available in September by the Cancer Center, some of which offer additional screenings for other types of cancer. Please call (225) 215-1234 for scheduling.
Friday, Sept. 11
Prostate, Breast & Colorectal Cancer Screenings
9-11 a.m. & 12-2p.m.
Gardere Initiative
8435 Ned Ave.
Baton Rouge
Registration required for breast screenings
Thursday, Sept. 24
Prostate Cancer Screening
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Office of 100 Black Men
2050 N. Foster Dr.
Baton Rouge
Saturday, Sept. 26
Prostate, Breast, Skin & Colorectal Screenings
10-1 p.m.
Hope Ministries
4643 Winbourne Ave.
Baton Rouge
For additional upcoming prostate cancer screenings, call (225) 215-1234 or visit www.mbpolol.org/prostate.