Reid Health offers free prostate cancer screenings this September

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, but finding it early can make a difference. Reid Health is offering free prostate cancer screenings this September, including a new screening event at Reid Health Connersville. The screenings give men an opportunity to learn more about their prostate health and find possible concerns early.

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Screening can help find prostate cancer before symptoms appear when it might be easier to treat.

Free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood screenings will be offered at the following locations:

• Sept. 17: 4-6 p.m. at Reid Health Richmond in the Oncology Conference Room, 1100 Reid Parkway
• Sept. 24: 4-6 p.m. at Reid Health Connersville, second floor, Infusion Therapy, 2500 Park Road

Screening recommendations can vary based on a person's age, family history, overall health, and other risk factors. Men who are unsure whether screening is right for them are encouraged to talk with their primary care provider.

Men who might benefit from prostate cancer screening include those:

• Age 50 and older
• Age 45 and older who are at higher risk, including Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer
• Who've never been screened or haven't been screened recently
• Who want to better understand their prostate health

The screening is a simple PSA blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in the blood. No physical exam is required.

An elevated PSA level doesn't necessarily mean a person has prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels can also result from noncancerous conditions or age-related changes.

After screening, results will be available through MyChart. Those with elevated PSA levels might be contacted for follow-up, which could include further testing or a referral to a specialist based on their individual results and medical history.

Advance registration is required for the screening, and space is limited. To reserve a spot, call (765) 935-8847 or email [email protected].