Highlands Oncology Group to Host Free Prostate Cancer Screenings

Highlands Oncology Group Will Offer Free Prostate Cancer Screenings in October

Highlands Oncology Group, Northwest Arkansas’ leading cancer treatment provider, will host the annual free prostate cancer education and screening event, in collaboration with the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation (APCF), next month. The screenings will occur from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 3 at the Highlands Oncology Group facility located at 808 South 52nd Street in Rogers.

Men between the ages of 45 and 70 are encouraged to take advantage of the free, preventative health care services, which will include a discussion on risk and benefits of screening, a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a physical exam of the prostate, according to the APCF. The physical exam of the prostate is optional.

In 2017, approximately 2,000 men in Arkansas will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 300 men will die from the disease, according to the Arkansas Central Cancer Registry. Men in Arkansas die at a higher rate from prostate cancer than women die from breast cancer.

Approximately 11.6 percent of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their lifetime and an estimated 3,085,209 men were living with prostate cancer in the United States in 2014, according to National Cancer Institute statistics.

Preventive measures can be taken to reduce one's risk of developing the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, including eating more fruits and vegetables, maintaining a low-fat diet, reducing the amount of dairy products consumed each day, eating more fish and exercising.

Men with a family history of prostate cancer and/or men of African American descent are encouraged to participate in the screenings, as they are at an increased risk of developing the disease, according to the APCF.

“Should a screening result in a diagnosis of prostate cancer, APCF is here to help with understanding the disease and treatment, finding resources, learning what to expect and how to deal with challenges,” said Beverlyn Eckert, executive director of APCF. “We have a legion of men and women who have weathered this storm, ready to help those who are newly diagnosed.”

As the leading cancer treatment and research facility in Northwest Arkansas, Highlands Oncology Group is dedicated to the advancement of cancer treatment and to providing patients with the best possible care and results.

To register for the event, call Courtney Trevillion at (479) 544-0581 or email ctrevillion@hogonc.com

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Highlands Oncology Group is a state-of-the-art facility, with a world-class team of specialists, that is committed to providing premier cancer treatment and to enhancing the quality of life of patients and their loved ones. Highlands Oncology group provides this in a friendly, comfortable environment conveniently located in Northwest Arkansas. Highlands offers the latest technology of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapies, on-site labs, a pharmacy and an infusion center. They also offer access to clinical trials, multidisciplinary clinics, and support groups. Highlands Oncology Group is helping patients win the battle against cancer, every day.

For more information, visit www.HighlandsOncologyGroup.com.

Source: Highlands Oncology Group