Raising Awareness About Prostate Cancer Testing During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.  At Wellness Place, the subject of prostate cancer testing is weighing heavily on our minds.  In the recent past, two highly-respected health organizations have changed their guidelines regarding PSA (prostate specific antigen) testing, a simple blood test used to indicate possible prostate problems.  
The first change came about a year ago, when the US Preventive Services Task Force stated that clinicians NOT screen patients with a PSA test unless the individual being screened understands and makes a personal decision to be tested.  This past Spring, the American Urological Association changed its guidelines to recommend no PSA testing for men under 40 and no routine screening for men ages 40 to 54 with average risk or for any man over 70.
At Wellness Place, we recognize that changing guidelines regarding PSA testing are confusing, especially for people whose lives have been saved due to this simple blood test.  As an organization dedicated to cancer education,  we encourage men and those who care about them to be active in their discussions with their doctors.  We support the individual's right to know whether he/she has cancer. To this end, our SEA Blue Prostate Cancer Run/Walk on September 15 in Lincoln Park will offer free PSA testing for men who choose to find out and monitor PSA levels. We also offer information to help men make a decision as to whether or not they want to be tested and to aid in their understanding of what elevated PSA levels may indicate.

For more information, on our SEA Blue Walk, please visit, www.seablueprostatewalk.org or call Wellness Place at (847) 221-2400.  Together, we can raise awareness about prostate cancer.  
Pam ReissExecutive DirectorWellness Place