Turlock, The public is encouraged to take part in free screenings for prostate and colorectal cancer from

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 18 at the Emanuel Medical Plaza, 880 E. Tuolumne Road in Turlock.  Emanuel Medical Center's Regional Cancer Services is sponsoring the screenings as a way to reach people who might not otherwise be tested for these common cancers.   

 "Along with breast and lung cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer are the top four deadly cancers diagnosed in the United States," says Anthony Victorio, M.D. chair of the Emanuel Medical Center Cancer Committee. "We felt very strongly that we offer these free screenings so we can reach those people who may not have insurance or a primary care physician. We want everyone to be able to be screened regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, because when cancers are found early, the chances of recovery are much higher." 

 The screening will include a physical exam by a physician and cancer-specific blood tests. Many of Emanuel's physicians, nurses and support staff are volunteering their time to help with the effort. Participants and their families also will be able to visit the Cancer Services Education Center to talk with physicians, nurses and representatives from the American Cancer Society.

 "A fundamental part of Emanuel's comprehensive cancer program is outreach, education and prevention," says Dr. Victorio, who hopes to process about 100 screenings that day.  "Emanuel provides a complete cancer care and resource center for the community and the screenings are an excellent way to underscore the expertise offered here."  

 Tests for these cancers are recommended for people aged 50 and older and for men aged 40 to 49 who are African American or who have a father, brother or son who had prostate cancer before age 65.

Appointments are available at 664-2434. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis.

In addition to Emanuel Medical Center, sponsors include Stanford Emanuel Radiation Oncology Center, California Oncology of Turlock, Emanuel Physician Center, American Cancer Society and the physicians of Emanuel.

 Reducing cancer risks. Source:  www.cancer.org)

 You Can Reduce Your Chances of Getting Cancer & Other Diseases 

• Don't use tobacco. If you do, ask your doctor about quitting.
• Protect yourself from the sun.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains and only a small amount of red meat and high-fat dairy products.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Drink less alcohol, if you drink at all.
• Get a least 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days a week.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

• Age: More than 90% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older than 50.
• Personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Family history of colorectal cancer.
• Racial and ethnic background: African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the United States.
• Inherited syndromes: About 5% of people who develop colorectal cancer have an inherited genetic susceptibility to the disease.

 Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

• Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. About two out of three prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.
• Race/ethnicity: Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than in men of other races. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian-American and Hispanic/Latino men than in non-Hispanic whites.
• Nationality: Prostate cancer is most common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia, and on Caribbean islands.
• Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease.
• Diet: The exact role of diet is not clear. Men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products appear to have a slightly higher chance of getting prostate cancer.

 Be sure to tell you doctor if you have had any type or cancer or if your mother, father, brother, sister or children have had cancer. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society or see www.cancer.org.