EAH Providing Free Prostate Cancer Screenings at Auburn Baseball Game Friday

AUBURN, Ala.­—East Alabama Health will be offering free prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood draws for men attending the Auburn Baseball game versus Ole Miss Friday, May 3. The game starts at 6 p.m. and the screenings will be available from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States. A PSA screening is a quick test that only requires a small blood draw to measure the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, present in the blood. A high PSA test result could be an indication of prostate cancer.

“Screening for prostate cancer is a simple and easy process that men cannot afford to put off,” said Chris Waits, executive director of oncology at the Spencer Cancer Center. “A PSA test allows men to check their risk for prostate cancer, allowing them to be more proactive in living a healthy lifestyle. ”

Men attending the game who take advantage of the free screening will be informed of their results within a few days. Test results will be mailed to the address they provide, so fans visiting from out of town can still get screened. A driver license is the only form of identification needed for the test.

While a high PSA score could be an indicator of prostate cancer, men who have a high score should speak with their primary care physician about next steps regarding a potential diagnosis.

“Our screening tent will be set up inside the entrance of Plainsman Park, so men can quickly complete their test before heading to their seat,” Waits said. “We are excited to help raise awareness of prostate cancer in our community and offer screenings free of charge at this game.”

Screenings are recommended for men aged 50 and above who are at average risk of prostate cancer. African American men and men who have had a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer when younger that 65 are considered high risk and are encouraged to begin screenings at age 45. Lastly, screening is recommended beginning at age 40 for men deemed to be at an even higher risk, which is defined as having more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age.

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About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit, a senior behavioral health unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,700 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth.org.