Tunnell Center to host free prostate cancer screening Oct. 17

Owen Thomas, MD, a radiation oncologist at Beebe Medical Center’s Tunnell Cancer Center, urges men to be screened for prostate cancer. It is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. More than 28,000 men die from prostate cancer each year.

Thomas knows the early diagnosis of prostate cancer means a better outcome for the patient, but he also knows a diagnosis of cancer does not commit a person to treatment. Rather, the next steps always should be discussed between patient and physician to agree upon a treatment regimen.

Tunnell Cancer Center will host a free prostate cancer screening for men who qualify, Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Beebe Health Campus on Route 24 near Rehoboth Beach.

Thomas said men between the ages of 50 and 70 should be tested because they are at higher risk. He said African-Americans are also at higher risk, as are those with a family history of prostate cancer.

“Knowledge is power,” Thomas said. “Outcomes are exceptionally good with a diagnosis of early cancer.”

The Prostate Specific Antigen test, a blood test for prostate cancer, can determine if someone has a higher risk for prostate cancer.

“We are dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to our community,” said Debbie Campbell, RN and cancer screening nurse navigator at Tunnell Cancer Center. “Educating our community about common health problems and healthcare options related to those problems is an important part of this mission.”

“It is better to make an informed decision,” Thomas said. “Here at Tunnell, we get a lot of referrals for treatment of prostate cancer. Radiation therapy is the standard treatment, but a cancer screening does not commit anyone to treatment.”

After the prostate screening, the lab results will be reviewed by a Tunnell Cancer Center physician. All results are then sent to the patient and to the patient’s primary-care physician. If action is recommended, a cancer screening nurse navigator will be assigned to assist the patient.

Preregistration is required. To preregister for the event or learn if one qualifies for the free test, call Campbell at 302-645-3169. To learn more about prostate cancer, go to KnowYourStats.org/resources or UrologyHealth.org.

The Tunnell Cancer Center is at 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Rehoboth Beach.