September 26, 2008
The Urology Center of Colorado Foundation Holds Free Men's Health Screening as Part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
On Saturday, September 20 The Urology Center of Colorado (TUCC) Foundation held a free men’s health screening for the local community as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. One hundred sixty-six men were screened for various conditions during the event.
In order to provide men with a comprehensive screening for conditions that may lead to a prostate cancer diagnosis, this screening was not limited to PSA or Digital Rectal Exams (DRE). Participating men were screened for or provided information on 15 different conditions including: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, bladder cancer, smoke cessation (the leading cause of bladder cancer), cholesterol, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, blood pressure check, BMI and fitness evaluation, osteoporosis, diabetes, colon cancer, vitamin D, nutrition and depression.
The screening was organized by more than 100 volunteers including The Urology Center of Colorado (TUCC) employees and their family members and representatives from other health care organizations. Before leaving the screening, participants were entered into a drawing to receive a Broncos team autographed football and Daniel Graham autographed jersey.
“Our annual screening continues to grow and make more of an impact on the local community,” said Martha Ruschival, R.N., TUCC Foundation board member. “By taking proactive steps to improve their health, men can prevent or improve the diagnosis of many serious medical conditions.”
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American men, with more than 186,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2008. In Colorado, 3,210 prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed this year. Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the State. However, thanks to early detection and advancements in treatment therapies, mortality rates for the disease are declining.
Annual PSA and DRE exams are the best prevention against prostate cancer. All men should undergo annual prostate cancer screenings beginning at age 50. High-risk men such as African Americans or men with a positive family history should begin these screenings at age 40. When caught at the earliest stage, prostate cancer has cure rates upwards of 94 percent.
For more information about men’s health or TUCC Foundation, please visit www.tucc.com/foundation.
