The Urology Group will conduct a free prostate cancer screening on Wednesday for all Northern Kentucky firefighters and other first responders.
The Urology Group, which has an office in Crestview Hills, wants to help first responders catch prostate cancer early, providing more time and treatment options for men.
The screening will be held April 26, 1–4 p.m. at the Edgewood Fire and EMS Department. First responders from across Northern Kentucky are invited to participate either through appointment or walk up.
The free screening is in response to a series of studies conducted over the last several years showing evidence of higher cancer rates – including prostate – among firefighters
Dr. Michael Dusing
This data was the basis of HB 156, presented in the legislature in 2015. The event will provide a free prostate screening for any fire fighter or first responder – full-time, part-time or volunteer – over the age of 50 or over 40 with a family history. The test involves a blood draw and digital rectal exam.
“The Urology Group is grateful to have the opportunity to show our respect and say thank you to those who keep our communities safe,” said Dr. Michael Dusing, who will administer the exams. “It is our hope that by providing the testing in the firehouse, we remove a barrier for getting tested and encourage early detection.”
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men. The American Cancer Society® reports that nearly 30,000 men will die of prostate cancer this year, but early detection saves lives.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in early April changed the position it took five years ago on prostate cancer screening. In 2012, the task force discouraged men younger than 70 with no signs of prostate cancer from routinely checking the levels of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, in the blood. Now the task force is saying that in making a decision about screening, men should have a conversation with their doctor.
First responders can register at FreeProstateCincy.com through the start of the screening event.
