Free prostate cancer screenings offered this month

The McHenry County Department of Health will offer free prostate cancer screenings in April for men, age 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 aged 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 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at MCDH, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock

Since Feb. 7, the health department has screened 162 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.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics (2008-2010), 59 men in McHenry County died of prostate cancer. In Illinois, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, exceeded only by lung cancer. The Illinois Cancer Partnership, an Illinois Department of Public Health advisory group, encourages health care providers to promote annual physical exams and routine screenings for all men.

For more information about prostate health, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/index.htm or call MCDH at (815) 334-4510.