Through a partnership with Man Cave Health and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the UF Health Cancer Center provided more than 60 men with prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood tests to screen for prostate cancer at Gator Fanfest on Saturday, Nov. 16.
UF Health Cancer Center and UF Health Urology staff provided the tests, which are one tool to screen for prostate cancer, on board the center’s brand-new Mobile Cancer Screening Connector. The team, which included nurses and advanced practice providers, also provided education and answered questions to make sure men have the information they need on prostate health.
“I believe in early detection, and I believe any time you get a chance to make sure everything is good, you should do that,” said Michael Cole, 47, who got a PSA test at the Tailgate and Testing event before the Florida-LSU football game.
Cole’s father-in-law had colon cancer and his grandfather died of colon cancer. His message is simple: “Make sure you get tested and know what is going on.”
Several Gator legends, including Coach Steve Spurrier, Brandon Spikes, Shane Matthews, and Danny Wuerffel, made special appearances and encouraged men to make their health a priority. Albert and Alberta also stopped by for photos.
“I decided to get screened today because of some family history and certainly I wanted to make sure that everything is A-OK,” said Jeff Cardozo, who’s part of the Gator radio network. “UF Health is extraordinary being here out in front of everybody trying to save lives and that’s what it’s all about.”
Warren Corpus, 51, who stopped by for a PSA test after watching the Gators basketball game, said the screening process was simple and painless.
“It was so enjoyable, I’d go again and I’ll tell my friends,” said Corpus, who’s president of the Palm Beach County Gator Club.
About 1 in 8 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Early detection can help ensure a personalized care plan is developed with a patient’s health care provider before the disease has spread to other areas of the body.
“Appropriate screening remains a critical component in the diagnosis of treatment of prostate cancer,” said Paul Crispen, M.D., the David A. Cofrin Endowed Chair of Urologic Oncology at the UF College of Medicine and associate director for clinical research at the UF Health Cancer Center. “This is especially important in our region, which continues to see too many men diagnosed with advanced disease.”
With the holidays approaching, now is a great time to talk with your family to understand your risk for prostate cancer. Knowing your family history can help you make the best decision about when to get screened.
Here are some factors that can increase your risk for prostate cancer:
- Being African American
- Having a first-degree relative (like a father or brother) who has had prostate cancer at an early age (younger than 65)
- Certain genetic mutations and syndromes
- A diet high in saturated fat and obesity
The American Cancer Society recommends men at average risk of prostate cancer start a discussion with their doctor about screening at age 50. Men at high risk should discuss if screening is right for them with their care team beginning at age 40.
“We know that African Americans are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer, but with screening early, it’s treatable, it’s detectable,” said Stefani Nixon, of Alachua, whose husband got a PSA test at the event.
Her stepfather had surgery for prostate cancer one month ago.
“It’s better to get screened when you know that there’s something you can do about it, when you know that you have options,” Nixon said.
Find resources about prostate cancer and screening.
