News & Information
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in American men, after skin cancer. It occurs when cells in the prostate, a gland found only in males, grow uncontrollably. According to the American Cancer Society (2019), one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, and the majority of diagnoses are made in men who are over age 65. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and some men may not have any symptoms, or even be aware of its presence. However, men who do develop symptoms of prostate cancer may experience difficulties with urination, blood in urine or semen, painful ejaculation, or persistent pain the in back, hips, or pelvis. Early screening for prostate cancer is available, and often includes a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE). Learn more about prostate cancer and screening from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Cancer Society .
Sussex County is Offering Free Prostate Exams
The Sussex County Division of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing is offering a free prostate exam screening clinic for uninsured/underinsured men over the age of 50 on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. A prostate exam, including a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test will be performed. The clinic will be held at the Office of Public Health Nursing at 201 Wheatsworth Road in Hamburg, NJ. Prostate and colorectal health education will be available at the time of the screening.
Grant eligible clients in the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) Program also qualify for this free screening. Men who have comprehensive health care insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid are not eligible for this clinic service.
Appointments can be made by calling the Office of Public Health Nursing at 973-579-0570, extension 1246, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and you must have an appointment as walk-ins will not be accepted.
For more information, contact the Sussex County Division of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing at 973-579-0570, extension 1246, or visit www.sussex.nj.us/nursing.