Screenings offered as part of national Prostate Cancer Awareness Week

This week is national Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, and low-cost prostate exams are being offered in the Valley by two urological offices.

The week started in 1989, when 15,000 men were examined.

Since then, millions of men have taken advantage of free or low-cost prostate exams to detect prostate cancer in its early stages.

At Valley Urology, Dr. Greg Lund is offering low-cost exams to men over the age of 45, or to men 35 and older with a family history of prostate cancer, for $10 cash. There are two more days to take advantage of the low-cost screenings -- on Tuesday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Friday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The screenings include a digital rectal exam performed by Dr. Greg Lund, and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. They are the two most effective procedures for detecting prostate cancer in its infancy.

Appointments must be made by calling Dr. Greg Lund's office at 376-9166.

At Alaska Urological Associates' Palmer office, free screening exams will be given on Tuesday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. To make an appointment, call 1-888-276-2818.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Week began in 1989. It was started by the Prostate Cancer Education Council.

Since the council's inception, research dollars raised for prostate cancer has more than tripled.

Free and low-cost screenings

Valley Urology

Tuesday, Sept. 17 -- 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20 -- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost -- $10

Call 376-9166

Alaska Urological Associates

Tuesday, Sept. 17 -- 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20 -- 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost -- free

Call 1-888-276-2818