USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute brings free prostate cancer screenings to underinsured men in the Mobile community
USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute recommends prostate cancer screening beginning at age 50 for men of average risk, and at age 40 for African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, which puts them at a higher risk.
By Jessica Jones
jmtobon@health.southalabama.edu
The USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) is conducting free prostate cancer screenings for uninsured or underinsured men within lower Alabama in partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Prostate Cancer Prevention Program.
Recent studies show that prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, with Alabama having one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the United States. The MCI recommends prostate cancer screening beginning at age 50 for men of average risk, and at age 40 for African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, which puts them at a higher risk. Prostate cancer is most treatable when diagnosed at an early stage.
The MCI’s mobile RV clinic is setting up at local churches in Mobile and surrounding areas with a team of medical professionals, screening equipment and light refreshments for men who want a free prostate cancer screening.
Men interested in being tested are first screened for eligibility. If eligible, they are registered and have a blood sample taken by trained medical staff. Information is provided on prostate cancer screenings and next steps for receiving prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test results.
Following the visit, all normal and abnormal PSA results are shared with participants by phone, letter and/or email. Normal PSA results are mailed to the address given at registration, and participants are encouraged to follow up with their doctor for yearly screenings. All abnormal PSA results are referred to USA Health University Urology for additional testing covered by the program.
The ADPH Cancer Prevention Program will cover the cost of an office visit and counseling to discuss results and other services.
Prostate cancer community screenings are scheduled for these dates:
- Aug. 10, 2024 – Fervent Life Worship Center, 529 Choctaw Bluff Rd., Jackson, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Aug. 14, 2024 – Location to be determined, Bayou La Batre, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Aug. 17, 2024 – Second Siloam Baptist Church, 209 East St., Brewton, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Aug. 24, 2024 - Nazaree Full Gospel Church, 1695 W. I-65 Service Rd. N., Mobile, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Aug. 31, 2024 – The Glory Place, 1251 Navco Rd., Mobile, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sept. 6, 2024 – Ma-Chis Creek Indian Tribe, 2950 County Rd. 377, Elba, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sept. 7, 2024 – Strikers Club, 1100 Springhill Ave., Mobile, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Sept. 7, 2024 – Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Mt. Calvary Ave., Prichard, from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Sept. 8, 2024 –Africatown, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., location to be determined
- Sept. 14, 2024 – Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 545 Cody Rd. N, Mobile, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more about MCI’s prostate cancer community screenings, visit usamci.com or email spstarks@health.southalabama.edu.
