Mobile, Ala. (October 3, 2007)
Contact: Amanda MacDonald, (251) 470-1682 |
 USA Mitchell Cancer Institute Provides Free Screening
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On Oct. 13, 2007, the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute will provide free prostate screenings at the Mount Hebron Baptist Church Family Life Center from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. |
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| According to Dr. Raymond Wynn, chief of radiation oncology services at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the United States. To date, it is the second most common cause of cancer death. |
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“The tragedy is that, treatment options and survival rates are poor when screenings are not done and the cancer is detected in an advanced stage,” explained Wynn, who specializes in the treatment of prostate cancer. “When detected early, treatment options and cure rates are excellent,” explained Wynn. |
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| Prostate cancer occurs approximately 1.5 times more often in African-American men and Jamaican men of African heritage than in the white population. African-American men die at 2.5 times the rate of white men with the same diagnosis. |
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Wynn points out that myths and misunderstandings relating to prostate cancer and treatment results in an unnecessary health disparity of late diagnosis, prolonged sickness and death.
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“The reasons for increased risk among African-American men are multi-factorial, including: lack of knowledge about the disease, apathy, fear, access, insurability, late stage of presentation, diet, genetics and failure to seek out early detection - all underscoring the need for screenings,” said Wynn. |
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| Mount Hebron Baptist Church Family Life Center is located at 2531 Berkley Ave. For more information about the free screenings please call 460-7165. |
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