Tulane Cancer Center Offers Free Monthly Prostate Cancer Screenings

The Tulane Cancer Center will offer free prostate cancer screenings from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 150 S. Liberty St. (a half-block off Canal Street). It involves a simple blood test that measures levels of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, which is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. It is normal for men to have low levels of PSA in their blood; however, prostate cancer or benign (non-cancerous) conditions can increase PSA levels.

The Cancer Center began offering free prostate cancer screenings in New Orleans on the second Tuesday of each month starting in September 2008.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men be offered regular PSA tests, along with digital rectal exams beginning at age 50 or earlier for those at increased risk for prostate cancer, including those with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American men.

To make an appointment for a free screening, call 504-988-5800 or 1-800-588-5800. Free parking is available in the Saratoga Parking Garage, located on Saratoga Street between Cleveland and Canal streets. Please visit www.tulanecancer.org and click on "Free Prostate Cancer Screenings" for more information, including a map and driving directions, or call 504-988-7869.