PROVIDENCE HOOD RIVER OFFERS FREE
AND LOW COST SERVICES TO MEN
DURING NATIONAL PROSTATE HEALTH MONTH

August 17, 2009

HOOD RIVER, Ore – Each year, more than 186,000 American men learn they have prostate cancer. Parkdale pear farmer Ron Rivers is one of these men. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer through an annual prostate exam. “It was a life changing experience,” Rivers said. “No one wants to be diagnosed with the big ‘C’ – cancer.”

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men in this country. Only skin cancer is more common. “Did you know that every year, as many men are diagnosed with prostate cancer as women are diagnosed with breast cancer?” Rivers asked. “This is a really important health concern for men, especially as we get older.”

Providence Hood River Health Services experts agree. During September, national prostate health month, Providence Hood River will offer low cost prostate health screenings and introduce a new prostate support group to the community.

Urologist Michael Saltzman, M.D. will provide simple, low-cost prostate cancer screening exams Sept. 10, 24 and 29 for $15 per person. Men, 50 and older, or 40 and older with a family history of prostate cancer, should be screened for prostate cancer annually. Typically, men who test positive for prostate cancer in screenings have the very early stage of the disease, and can be treated effectively. Thousands of men die each year from prostate cancer, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A simple screening can save your life. It saved Rivers’ life.

Today, Rivers is healthy and active in the community as chairman of the Hood River County Board of Commissioners. His family orchard business in Parkdale is an industry leader, producing 7 million pounds of pears per year.

Many people diagnosed with prostate cancer struggle with physical and emotional side effects. To help with that, Providence Hood River is starting a new prostate cancer support group Sept. 22. The group is open to cancer survivors and their loved ones. The group will be led by two Providence experts, an urologist and a psychiatrist, who will share advice, answer questions and offer emotional support.

WHAT:
Providence Hood River prostate cancer screenings

WHEN:
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday Sept. 10
8:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday Sept. 24
1 p.m. to 4:30p.m., Tuesday Sept. 29

Call for details and an appointment: (541) 387-6125

WHERE:
Providence Hood River Health Services - Urology Clinic
1151 May Street, Hood River, OR 97031

DETAILS:
There will be no charge for the patient exam and consultation. The only charge is a $15 lab fee for blood tests. Results will be mailed to patient homes within two weeks of testing.

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WHAT:
Providence support group: Living with prostate cancer

WHEN:
5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22

Call for details and an appointment: (541) 387-6125

WHERE:
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital’s Education Center
810 12th Street, Hood River, OR 97031
DETAILS:
The support group will be led by two Providence Hood River medical experts, an urologist and psychiatrist. This group offers education, discussion and emotional support for men with prostate cancer. Open discussion is encouraged. Companions and loved ones are invited to attend. The group is free. Refreshment will be provided. Group facilitators are Michael Saltzman, M.D., Providence Hood River Urology Clinic, and Daniel McCabe, M.D., Providence Gorge Counseling and Treatment Services. Fee: Free

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Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is part of the not-for-profit Providence Health & Services, Oregon’s largest health system and largest private employer. Providence Hood River is a full service critical access hospital with a 24-hour Emergency Department. Providence offers a wide range of health care services in the communities of the Columbia River Gorge through its clinics, programs and senior living facilities.