ANNUAL PROSTATE HEALTH SCREENING
IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
AT PROVIDENCE HOOD RIVER

October 1, 2008

HOOD RIVER, Ore. - An easy, low-cost prostate cancer screening, which sold out at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital last month, is back for one final day on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Thousands of men die each year from prostate cancer. In many cases, these men experienced fear and embarrassment - delaying a visit to their health care provider for a simple screening that could have saved their lives.

Last month, Providence Hood River and Michael Saltzman, M.D., a Providence urologist, conducted low-cost prostate cancer screening exams. This community health service was so popular that an extra screening day has been added - Wednesday, Oct. 8.

All men - age 50 or older, or age 40 and older with a family history of prostate cancer - should be screened for prostate cancer annually. Testing is quick and easy, performed in a physician's office using two tests: the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, and the digital rectal exam (DRE). Typically, men whose prostate cancer is detected through screening are found to have very early-stage disease that can be treated most effectively.

WHAT: Low-cost prostate screening at Providence Hood River

WHEN: 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesday Oct. 8
Call for an appointment: (541) 387-6125

WHERE: Providence Hood River Urology Clinic

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

###

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.