Early detection through free prostate cancer screening key to survival rate
Rudy Quijas, founder of Rudy’s Tacos, always had the community’s best interest at heart. Even when he was near the end stages of prostate cancer, he wanted to give something back to his community. The Quijas family, along with Trinity Regional Health System and its Community Health Partners, has kept his memory and his wishes alive by inviting Quad-City men to participate in the 13th annual Rudy Quijas Fight against Cancer Memorial Prostate Screening held from 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, at Trinity Bettendorf, and Wednesday, June 3, at the Trinity Cancer Center at the Trinity Moline campus.
“When caught early, prostate cancer can be treated with a high cure rate,” said Penny Knox, RN, Clinics Coordinator from Trinity. “That’s why early detection is a key in the fight against this disease that affects more nearly 200,000 men annually. Through this screening, many men can find out if they are at risk, and if they are, take appropriate action.”
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men after skin cancer and is the second leading cause of death behind lung cancer. While one man in six will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, only one man in 35 will die of this disease, largely due to increased awareness and earlier detection of the disease. In fact, when the cancer is found in the local or regional stages and has not spread, the 5-year relative survival rate for these men is nearly 100 percent.
The screening will include a free PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test and digital rectal exam. Screening times are by appointment only. All men are encouraged to participate, particularly those who are age 40 and older, those who have a family history of the disease and/or are African American or Hispanic.
Men need not have had a history of treatment for prostate cancer to be at increased risk. Men currently under the care of a urologist, previously diagnosed with prostate cancer or over the age of 80 will not be screened.
Since 1998, nearly 3,600 men have been checked for prostate cancer through this free screening, and approximately one-third of those screened have needed further follow-up due to either an abnormality with their exam, lab work or other factors. Over the years, 34 men have been diagnosed with prostate cancer due to the screening.
A limited number of appointments are available and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To set up an appointment, call Trinity’s My Nurse at 779-2000 or 1-877-242-8899.