DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 4, 2007 DHSS-104-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING COVERAGE NOW OFFERED BY SCREENING FOR LIFE
Screening for Life, the Division of Public Health’s breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening program, now offers coverage for prostate cancer screenings for eligible Delaware residents. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in Delaware, making up nearly 30 percent of the state's newly diagnosed cancers between 2000-2004 among men. African-American men are more than two times as likely to die of the disease as Caucasian men. Adding this test to the Screening for Life program was a recommendation of the Delaware Cancer Consortium, using funding from the Delaware Health Fund.
Prostate cancer in its early stages typically does not have any signs or symptoms. Prostate cancer screening involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam. A PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, a substance made by the normal prostate gland. Screening for Life covers the following screening tests:
- PSA blood test and digital rectal exam yearly for men age 50 or older who do not have any major medical problems.
- PSA blood test and digital rectal exam yearly for African-American men starting at age 40.
- PSA blood test and digital rectal exam yearly for men 10 years prior to the age of prostate cancer diagnosis of a close relative (father, brother, uncle, grandfather). For example, if your father was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 39, you should get screened at age 29.
To see if you qualify for a free prostate cancer screening call the toll-free Delaware Helpline, 1-800-464-HELP and ask for the Screening for Life program.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
