Health department offers free prostate cancer screenings

Posted May 03, 2015 11:00 pm

Submitted by McHenry County Department of Health

McHenry County Department of Health will continue to offer free prostate cancer screenings in May for men aged 50 and older.

The 20-minute screening includes a Prostate Specific Antigen blood test, heart age analysis and health education material. This offer is limited and is funded through a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Based on guidelines from the American Urological Association and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, men age 40 and older who are African American or have a higher risk due to family history can also be screened.

Appointments are available online at www.mcdh.info or call (815) 334-4580 for these locations.

• 6:30 to 9 a.m., Friday, May 8, Sage YMCA, 701 Manor Road, Crystal Lake

• 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, MCDH, 100 N. Virginia St., Crystal Lake

• 5 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, Johnsburg Library, 3000 W. Johnsonburg Road

For those businesses that would like to host a screening for employees as part of a wellness program, contact MCDH's Health Promotion staff at (815) 334-4580 to make arrangements. Since Feb. 7, MCDH has screened 179 men. Feedback has been positive as participants have shared stories of family or friends who were diagnosed with early prostate cancer which was treated successfully. The PSA is one tool in assessing men's overall health.

For more information about prostate health, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/index.htm.

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