Free screening aims to catch prostate cancer early
White River Health will hold a free prostate cancer screening and presentation on Tuesday, 22 September from 18:00 to 20:00 at the White River Medical Center’s Josephine Raye Rogers Centre for Women & Imaging Conference Centre, located at 1710 Harrison Street, organisers said.
The event is part of local efforts to raise awareness of prostate cancer, which organisers emphasise is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and for which early detection markedly improves survival rates. The evening will include a medical presentation and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood draw on site.
- Who should attend: Men aged 50 and older who have not previously been diagnosed with or treated for prostate cancer.
- Priority groups: Men with a family history of prostate cancer, those living with obesity, people leading an inactive lifestyle, and those whose diet is high in fat are especially encouraged to attend.
- What to expect: A short presentation followed by PSA blood testing; further follow-up will be advised for abnormal results.
"Early detection is key," organisers said, noting survival improves significantly when prostate cancer is found at an early stage.
The free screening provides an accessible opportunity for men to check their risk without the barrier of cost, organisers said. They also urged family members and caregivers to encourage men to attend, particularly men in the higher-risk categories.
Organisers recommended that participants who have already been diagnosed with or treated for prostate cancer do not require this screening; the event is intended for men without a prior diagnosis. Attendees should also consider discussing any current medications or medical conditions with the screening staff on arrival.
Local context and follow-up
Prostate screening campaigns such as this are intended to complement routine clinical care rather than replace ongoing medical management. A PSA test measures a protein produced by the prostate; elevated levels can indicate a range of conditions, from benign enlargement to infection or cancer. Organisers said abnormal results will necessitate further clinical assessment and possible referral for diagnostic tests.
For residents in and around White River, the screening offers a practical, low-threshold means to assess risk. Early detection programmes are particularly important where men may delay seeking care until symptoms are advanced. Health organisers highlighted lifestyle factors — including diet and physical inactivity — which can modify risk and encouraged men to consider long-term prevention alongside screening.
More details and updates about the event are available through White River Health’s Facebook page, organisers said. The announcement also advised anyone with a news tip or an event to promote to contact the local news desk via email at news@whiterivernow.com.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 22 September |
| Time | 18:00–20:00 |
| Venue | Josephine Raye Rogers Centre for Women & Imaging Conference Centre, 1710 Harrison St |
| Service | Presentation and PSA blood draw (free) |
Residents planning to attend should arrive with identification and be prepared to provide a brief medical history. The organisers did not publish a limit on numbers; however, arriving earlier in the session may reduce waiting time.
Regular screening and lifestyle adjustments together offer the best chance to reduce the impact of prostate disease in our community. Local health providers are encouraging men to use the event as an entry point into ongoing primary care where needed.
