1 in 6 Black men get prostate cancer, but a simple blood test could save your life.

Early Detection Matters!

About Prostate Cancer and Your Risk

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. It is the second most common cancer in men in the U.S., with about 1 in 8 men being diagnosed during his lifetime. The good news is that early detection through screening generally means an excellent prognosis, so it’s important to take screening seriously.

Prostate cancer screening tests look for possible signs of disease, but they can’t tell for sure if you have prostate cancer. If your screening produces an abnormality, you will need a prostate biopsy to determine whether you have cancer. The two primary screening tests are:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test: This simple blood test is the primary method of screening for prostate cancer. It monitors the levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Prostate cancer can cause elevated PSA levels.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In this exam, the doctor checks the prostate gland for any abnormalities.

Free Voucher Program

Prostate cancer is more common in Black men and men with a family history of the disease.

At Siteman, we strive to give all men access to the cancer care they need. Our Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) offers free PSA screening vouchers for men 40 and over. These vouchers can be used for free PSA screenings at the lab in the Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) or at Christian Hospital. Walk-ins are available, but appointments are preferred.

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment, call PECaD at 314-970-4308. Bring a copy of the voucher to your appointment. If you received an electronic copy of the voucher, please print or download it to your device.

Request a PSA Screening Voucher

You can use your voucher at the following lab locations:

Christian NE Hospital POB1/POB2-image

Christian NE Hospital POB1/POB2

The Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM)-image

The Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM)

When should I get screened for prostate cancer?

Men who have a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 have an elevated risk for developing prostate cancer. Black men also have an elevated risk for the disease. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), men at high risk should begin screening at ages 40 to 45 depending on individual risk factors.

Prostate cancer screening may be particularly beneficial for Black men, who at higher risk for developing the disease. Speak with your primary care physician about the potential risks and benefits to find out if it’s right for you.

Why are Black men at higher risk for prostate cancer?

Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to men of other races. They are also more likely to get diagnosed at a younger age and develop more aggressive disease. There are several possible reasons for this:

  • Poor access to care
  • Mistrust of the health care system
  • Genetic variants
  • Other health conditions and environmental exposures

What can I do to lower my prostate cancer risk?

There are some risk factors for prostate cancer that you can’t change, like race, age and genetics. Still, there are other things you can change to reduce your prostate cancer risk:

  • Maintain a healthy diet and weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Refrain from smoking
  • Drink alcohol in moderation

Learn more about Siteman’s 8 Ways to Stay Healthy and Prevent Cancer.

How does my family history affect my prostate cancer risk?

While most prostate cancers occur in men who have no family history of the disease, having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles your prostate cancer risk. That risk is even higher if you have several affected relatives. There are also genetic mutations with known links to prostate cancer, such as hereditary breast and ovarian (HBOC) syndrome.

What is genetic testing? Do I need to have it done?

Genetic testing can be a powerful tool in helping you understand your prostate cancer risk. If you have a family history of prostate, breast, colon, ovarian or pancreatic cancers, OR if you are concerned about your risk factors, you might consider genetic testing. It involves a simple blood or saliva test and the results may help you make decisions in the future about screening frequency and treatment options.

If you’re concerned you might have a genetic mutation linked to prostate cancer, ask your primary care physician if genetic testing might be right for you.

Who should I talk to about prostate cancer screening?

Prostate cancer screening may be particularly beneficial for Black men, who at higher risk for developing the disease. Speak with your primary care physician about the potential risks and benefits to find out if it’s right for you.

When should I get screened for prostate cancer?

Black men and men with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 are considered high risk for developing the disease. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), men at high risk should begin screening at age 40 to 45, depending on individual risk factors.

I don’t have symptoms. Do I need to get screened?

Screening means checking for cancer in people who have no symptoms, so yes – you should still consider screening! Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, which is why early detection is so important.

What tests are used to screen for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer screening tests look for possible signs of disease, but they can’t tell for sure if you have prostate cancer. If your screening produces an abnormality, you will need a prostate biopsy to determine whether you have cancer. The two primary screening tests are:

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This simple blood test is the primary method of screening for prostate cancer. It monitors the levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Prostate cancer can caused elevated PSA levels.
  • Digital rectal exam: In this exam, the doctor checks the prostate gland for any abnormalities.

It’s important to keep in mind that elevated PSA levels don’t always indicate prostate cancer. There are a number of other conditions that can cause PSA levels to rise, including older age, an enlarged prostate or inflammation.

Why is having a primary care physician (PCP) important?

Nowadays, many of us don’t have a primary care physician. However, establishing a relationship with a provider can help us adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, keep up with vaccinations and maintain overall wellness. In addition to performing physical examinations and lab tests, PCPs can also give referrals for screening tests and genetic testing.

Having a relationship with a provider you trust can make all the difference in how you think about prostate cancer screening.

How can I find a PCP?

Trying to find a primary care physician may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! First, do some research online or talk to people in your community to hear about their experiences with providers. Check with your health insurance carrier to find in-network providers. Finally, make sure that the provider you want to see fits your individual needs.

If you aren’t sure where to start on your search for a PCP, BJC HealthCare is here to help.

I’ve had bad experiences with doctors. Instead of finding a PCP, can’t I just go to an urgent care or emergency room if any problems come up?

It may seem more convenient to simply go to an urgent care or an emergency room if you get sick or something happens, but that “convenience” comes at a price.

Having a PCP can save you a lot of time, pain and money in the long run. Potential illnesses can be detected sooner and treated more quickly, reducing your chances of hospitalization and emergency room visits. The huge financial burden of these hospital visits may be prevented simply by building a relationship with a primary care physician.

As you build your relationship with your provider over time, you will come to trust them with your health.

Is prostate cancer screening covered by my health insurance?

When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law, it made preventive care – including prostate cancer screening – free of charge to patients covered by private insurance and Medicare plans.

It’s important to note that even if insurance plans covers cancer screening tests, they may not cover the screening tests according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommended screening schedule. Be sure to check with your insurance carrier to verify whether you’re eligible for certain cancer screenings, which tests are covered under your plan and how often you can get screened.

For more information on health insurance coverage for cancer screenings, please visit Get Screened Now.

I don’t have health insurance. Can I still get screened for prostate cancer?

Even if you don’t have health insurance, there are resources available to help you get screened.

The Cover Missouri Coalition, a project of the Missouri Foundation for Health, works to reduce the number of uninsured in Missouri and improve the health of those most in need. Their Find Local Help tool connects you with assisters who can help you find the best health care plan for you and your family. You can call Cover Missouri at 1-800-466-3213.

The St. Louis Regional Health Commission (RHC) also provides resources to help uninsured and underinsured Missourians. For more information on how to apply for Medicaid, please visit CoverSTL or call the RHC at 1-888-686-1744.

 

Does Siteman offer financial assistance?

If you are concerned about the cost of cancer screening, we are here to help. BJC HealthCare offers financial assistance to help those who don’t have health insurance. For questions regarding billing, use the appropriate contact information below: