Prostate cancer is treatable with early detection - local residents are encouraged to attend 7th Annual Men's Health Summit

Local healthcare providers will provide FREE prostate screenings at the 7th Annual Men's Health Summit, Saturday, June 14, from 9 am to noon in the Allied Health Building on the Brevard Community College (BCC) campus at 1519 Clearlake Road in Cocoa.

Free PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams will be provided along with presentations on prostate cancer risk factors, recommended testing, and treatment methods related to nutrition and exercise.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Additionally, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer -though statistics cite a low number of deaths when the disease is detected early. Those recommended to get annual prostate cancer exams include:

• Men older than age 50 who have never had a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam
• Men age 40 who have had a close relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65
• African-American men

Those currently under the care of a physician for prostate cancer, or who have had surgery to remove the prostate, should not have the PSA blood test or digital rectal exam at this event. Instead, they are encouraged to bring a friend or family member who has not been tested before.

Co-sponsored by the Brevard Chapter of the NAACP, Health First, Parrish Medical Center, Wuesthoff Health System, and Brevard Community College, the Men's Health Summit is open to all residents of Brevard.

Screenings are performed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact the Health First Events Line at 321-434-4335.