Any man with a family history of prostate cancer, particularly if he is African American, age 45 to 75 years old, should have a prostate screening annually, according to the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation.

In fact, 42 percent of all men who die from prostate cancer are African American. As with all forms of cancer, survivability increases with early detection. Keeping these facts in mind, Conway Regional Health System will hold its annual free Prostate Cancer Screening and Awareness program from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9.

“Our challenge is always making people aware of the importance of the screening, particularly among men who are least able to afford the traditional screenings at a family doctor’s office,” said Lori Reynolds, RN, oncology outreach coordinator. “We are also targeting the wives and daughters who are usually the ones who convince the men to come in for the screening.”

The event holds personal significance for Reynolds because it enabled physicians to find her father’s prostate cancer.

The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation will be onsite to provide a 15-minute education program for the men prior to the actual screening, which consists of a PSA blood test and a rectal exam. The Prostate Cancer Foundation will also evaluate the results of the screenings and send each man a letter explaining his results and, in some cases, recommending an immediate follow-up visit to a family doctor. 

The medical staff of the Arkansas Urology Clinic in Conway, along with other area physicians, Conway Regional employees and members of the community volunteer their time for the screening.

Registration is required. To make an appointment, call 501.513.5858 and leave a message. The deadline for registration is Friday, Oct. 5.