VETERAN UTAH NEWSMAN Duane Cardall is certainly pleased with his early, proactive approach to prostate screening. His doctor saw warning signs during a routine physical. Prostate cancer. The dreaded “C” word. Up until that point, the KSL-TV newsman had not been unduly alarmed about his enlarged prostate.

"As you age, there are changes that take place," Cardall says. "Most of us recognize that. Just look at all the ads on TV selling men's health products these days!"

But, because Cardall's PSA level was on the rise, his doctor thought further investigation was in order. Cardall was referred to a urologist. A growth was detected. A biopsy revealed that it was indeed a malignant growth. Surgery was scheduled and the cancer removed. Now, one year later, Cardall has a clean bill of health, and a positive outlook about the entire experience.

"Cancer is a frightening word," says Cardall. "But this disease is very, very common. You would be surprised at how many people you know have gone through a similar experience."

Common is the key word here. Dr. Jay Bishoff, MD, Director of Urology at the Intermountain Urological Institute at Intermountain Medical Center, says that one in every six men in Utah, age 70 or older will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. It is the second most common cancer among men in the United States; only skin cancer is more common.

Prostate cancer is also slow moving, and often called a "silent" disease because it can smolder for about 10 years before the person affected feels any symptoms. Dr. Bishoff says that is why early screening and detection is so important.

As part of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, Intermountain Cancer Services is encouraging men who are at highest risk for prostate cancer to attend one of four free screening clinics this month. Men who are at risk are invited to take part in the screenings, including men who have a family history of prostate cancer, men age 50 and over, men with no insurance or limited insurance, and African American men. The free screenings will include a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam.

Free Screening

• Wednesday, September 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Medical Office Plaza just east of LDS Hospital, 370 9th Avenue, suite 208
• Wednesday, September 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Huntsman Cancer Center at Intermountain Medical Center.
• Tuesday, September 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the South Surgical Center at Alta View Hospital
• Tuesday, September 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Same-Day Surgery on the second floor at Riverton Hospital

For more information

Call 801-507-3800 to schedule an appointment. Due to limited space, please call early, and remember that walk-ins can't be accommodated.

Dr. Bishoff hopes all Utah men 50 and over, and those considered to be at high risk, will make a phone call this month to schedule a screening or visit with their family physician.

Prostate cancer is mostly a slow-growing cancer that starts in the gland cells of the prostate. It can often be found early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your blood and by doing a digital rectal exam.