To register, call the American Cancer Society at 642-6603.

Prostate cancer has no early warning signs; that is why early detection through such methods as free screening programs is vital in the success of the cancer treatment. Symptoms only begin to appear as the cancer progresses. The tumor may cause urinary problems by constricting the urethra, such as: inability to urinate, interruption of the urinary stream, pain or burning while urinating, blood in the urine, weak urinary stream, and pain in the hips, back or pelvis. Later stages include fatigue, anemia and bone pain.

Groups that are more prone to prostate cancer at an early age are African-American men, and men over age 50 who have a family history of prostate cancer. In general, African-American men are two times more likely to develop prostate cancer than any other ethnic group.

All men over age 50 should have a yearly prostate exam. The digital rectal exam, insertion of a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate, is a quick and simple method to detect most prostate cancers before symptoms develop. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a common test that detects a blood substance that often increases when prostate cancer is present. Both screening methods are conducted at the free screening.