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For men’s good health: Prostate screening

Tomorrow, June 2, is National Cancer Survivor Day. National Men’s Health Week runs June 10-16. The Columbiana County Health District cares about men’s good health. The cancer clinic, supported by a Center Township Cancer Detection Clinic property tax levy (0.2 mill), will hold a prostate cancer screening on June 11 that is free for residents of the health district. Appointments are required.

The screening takes less than 10 minutes. The American Cancer Society recommends that men age 50 and older receive a prostate screening blood test yearly. African-American men show a higher risk of prostate cancer so they, and any man who has a family history of prostate cancer (father, brother or son), should begin yearly testing at age 45.

The National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) advises that prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States and recommends prevention with regular screenings. Finding cancer earlier makes it easier to treat. Risk factors include age, family history of prostate cancer, race, hormones, Vitamin E taken by itself, folic acid taken by itself, a diet high in dairy and calcium.

Columbiana County Health Commissioner Wesley Vins has timed the average visit to the health department for a prostate screening to 4-6 minutes. And it’s free. “There really is no reason not to have the screening.” Results are sent to your own physician. There is no preparation for this screening. It is a simple blood draw, but does not take the place of a digital rectal exam that can be completed by your physician.

You want to be around to walk your daughter down the aisle, or watch your son marry his sweetheart. You want to be there for the grandchildren, to enjoy retirement with the wife of your youth, and work on your bucket list.

The Mayo Clinic advises that sometimes there are no symptoms at all. So as Father’s Day appears on the horizon, urge your husband, father, or son, ages 45 and older, to take care of his good health with a prostate cancer screening. Take the 10 minutes out of a busy day for this important screening that could save a life. Free screenings are available for all residents of the general health district. Those residing outside of the general health district (i.e., cities of East Liverpool and Salem) will have a $25 fee for the service. To schedule an appointment for Tuesday, June 11, call the Columbiana County Health Department, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at 330-424-0272.

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