According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer.

Early detection is critical to a positive outcome. To help in that battle, Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center will offer a two-part screening later this month.

Part 1 of the screening will include a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Part II will include an examination and review of lab results by one of three participating urologists: William A. Freeborn, M.D.; Michael C. Jones, M.D.; and Andrew P. Rockwood, M.D.

Part I will be a blood draw on Tuesday, Oct. 30, scheduled between 7 and 9 a.m. Part II will be a five-minute physical exam and will be scheduled on Tuesday, Nov. 13, between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Both parts of the screening will take place at the Wellness Center.

Fee for the screening is $35 to cover lab costs. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. To arrange for a screening, please call the Wellness Center at 830-997-1355.

Because there are usually no early symptoms for prostate cancer, a screening can detect the cancer before it spreads beyond the gland. When diagnosed in the early stages, prostate cancer can be treated successfully. ACS statistics show that there are more than two million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and who are alive today, largely due to early detection.