“Don’t worry guys, it’s a blood test, not a glove test.”
The mobile prostate cancer testing unit was so popular last year that organizers are bringing it back.
The Man Van is heading to the Elks Lodge Sat. March 5 between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will offer free baseline PSA (ProstateSpecific Antigen) blood tests to men over the age of 40.
Hosted by the Ponoka Elks Lodge, nurses with the Prostate Cancer Centre will use this simple blood test to check if levelswarrant further testing. No appointment is necessary, explained Ken Rabb, Man Van program manager.
In a press release, Rabb adds that with busy schedules it can be difficult to find the time to make a doctor’s appointment andget checked. With the Man Van it is a quick 10 minute test.
The PSA blood test could save a person’s life if it shows high PSA levels in the blood. If technicians see high levels they willrecommend a further check with a patient’s doctor.
According to the Prostate Cancer Centre, if the cancer is detected early there is a 95 per cent survival rate.
The hope for Elks is to help raise awareness of prostate cancer and to get men checked.
Like any blood test, the only issue a patient may have is some slight bruising to the arm.
For more information visit www.getchecked.ca.