Illini Community Hospital offering free prostate cancer screenings Tuesday

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — As part of its observance of September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Illini Community Hospital is the site of a free prostate cancer screening from 8 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Registration is required by going online to blessinghealth.org/prostate.

Men who are 55 to 69 years old should ask their doctor if prostate cancer screening is right for them. Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed and treated at the Blessing Cancer Center. Mainly older men develop prostate cancer. Black men are also at high risk for developing the disease. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 66.

Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages. In advanced stages, it may cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Weak urine stream
• Pain or blood during urination

Men with any of these symptoms should see their healthcare provider.  For more information on prostate cancer, go to blessinghealth.org/prostate.