St. Luke's Vintage to offer free prostate screenings

St. Luke’s Hospital at The Vintage will offer free prostate screenings on Sept. 20 as part of Prostate Health Month.

The exam consists of a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test and a DRE (digital rectal exam). The PSA blood test looks for elevated levels of the protein secreted by the prostate. The DRE is when the doctor manually exams the prostate, feeling for any irregularities or lumps.

Appointments are required and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. The screening will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. St. Luke's Hospital at The Vintage is located at 20171 Chasewood Park Drive.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men who are at an average risk for prostate cancer should begin screenings at age 50. For men who are at a higher risk, such as African-American men and men who have had a family member diagnosed with prostate cancer, the screening should begin at age 45 and in some cases, as young as age 40.

For more information or to schedule a free prostate screening, call 832-534-5156.