Conway Regional Medical Center to conduct free prostate cancer screening

Tuesday, Sept. 16, is the deadline for registration for the 13th annual Prostate Cancer Screening at Conway Regional Medical Center.

The free screening will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, on the Conway Regional Medical Center campus. A group of Conway physicians along with Conway Regional staff and volunteers will conduct the screening along with staff from the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation.

In addition to Conway Regional, the screening is sponsored Conway Urology and the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation and includes:
•    A 15-minute education presentation
•    A PSA blood test
•    A rectal exam

According to the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, men in high-risk groups because of their family history or race (African American and Hispanic) should receive a full prostate exam each year beginning at age 45.

“Prostate cancer screening should be individualized and multiple factors need to be taken into account and among those factors are a PSA and rectal exam,” said Jeff Marotte, M.D., a urologist with Conway Urology Clinic. “The PSA is not a perfect test, and these screenings do not replace a one-on-one visit with your family doctor.”

An appointment is required and can be made by calling 501.513.5858.

Screening and treatment choices are complicated and should always be discussed with a doctor. Additional education is available at Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation (1.800.338.1383, 501.379.8027 or at arprostatecancer.org).