Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among all men, second only to skin cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

Some risk factors for prostate cancer include:

1. Age:  Beginning at age 50, there is a rapid increase in prostate cancer. Two out of three prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.

2. Race:  Prostate cancer is more prevalent among African-American men. Not only is an African-American man more likely to have prostate cancer, but the is twice as likely to pass away from it.

3. Family history: If you have a father or brother with a history of prostate cancer before age 65, you should talk to your doctor about testing for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is detected through a combination of a digital rectal examination (DRE) and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

September is prostate cancer awareness month. The James E. Cary Cancer Center, along with area physicians, provides free prostate screenings on two evenings in September. The free screenings include the DRE and PSA blood test. The free screenings are available by appointment only.  To make a reservation for a free screening, please call 573-406-1642.