Blood tests for men free on Saturday

SILVER CITY WEATHER

Tom Shelley for District 5 Commissioners

: Category: Local News Releases; 22 December 2011

Silver City, New Mexico, October 8, 2011: Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death, in Grant County men, but with early diagnosis and treatment prostate cancer has a 99 percent survivorship, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. The Prostate Support Group wants to help more men receive early screenings to save lives. To raise awareness the Support Group is hosting free prostate specific antigen (PSA) and total cholesterol blood tests on Saturday, October 15, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gila Regional Medical Center's Laboratory, 1313 E. 32^nd St.

Walt Hanson knows the importance of early screening. In 1997, an annual PSA test led Hanson's doctor to recommend a biopsy, and later Hanson was diagnosed with cancer. Hanson says, "Thanks to an early diagnosis my treatment was successful, and 15 years later I'm still here."

An annual physical, also, saved Herb Trejo's life, "A routine blood test showed I had a high PSA level." Trejo followed up with a biopsy and received early treatment for prostate cancer. Now a member of the Prostate Support Group, Trejo says, "Grant County, and New Mexico, has a very high rate of cancer and our group wants to raise awareness of the importance of early screenings."

Also a support group member, Hanson says, "Early detection saved our lives, and it can save the lives of other men."

The Grant County Prostate Support Group has been in existence for over a decade. Originally founded by prostate cancer survivor Dr. Neal Apple, the group was revived by Dave Schwantes after attending a cancer support group facilitator training offered by the Grant County Community Health Council to expand cancer support in southwest New Mexico. A six-year grant from the New Mexico Department of Health has helped found numerous support groups in Catron, Grant, Luna and Hidalgo Counties.

The Prostate Support Group is an independent US Too International chapter. The group meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Gila Regional Medical Center's Conference Room. The Prostate Support Group is open to anyone with a family history of prostate cancer, anyone with an abnormal PSA result or prostate problem, and anyone diagnosed with prostate cancer. The group also offers monthly family breakfasts. Last year, the group invited Joe Diaz, a cancer survivor and KOAT Action 7 News meteorologist, to share his story with over 100 community members.

The free blood tests are made possible by a partnership with the Prostate Support Group, Gila Regional Medical Center, the Grant County Health Council and the New Mexico Department of Health. No appointment is necessary for the tests. No fasting is required for the total cholesterol blood test. Falsely elevated PSA can be caused by recent sexual activity or ejaculation, so participants are asked to refrain for 24 hours prior to the blood test. The blood tests will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call the Health Council at 388-1198. The Prostate Support Group next meets on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. in the Gila Regional Medical Center's Conference Room.

Eddie Flores candidate for Grant County District 4 Commissioner

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