The Pohick Church Blood Drive is November 13 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm in the Church parking lot. Please consider donating so the Blood Drive goal of 36 units can be met. Make an appointment now to be a donor by sending an email to Carol Heddleston at cheddleston@comcast.net. The donated blood will be used for people undergoing surgery the very next week. There is a need for over 200 units of blood EACH WEEK in the Greater Washington Area alone. This is a wonderful way to contribute to the community.

September was Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It is important to address this little talked about form of cancer, which is the most common non-skin cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. It is defined as an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland.

What are the Risk Factors?

Age: Most cases occur in men older than 50, and 70% of these men are over 65.

Family History: The chance of developing prostate cancer is higher if a close family member (father, brother, uncle or grandfather) has been diagnosed with this disease.

Race: African American men are more likely than white men to develop prostate cancer, and twice as likely to die from it.

Diet: Studies suggest that dietary fat may be a risk factor for this type of cancer.

How is it detected? Early prostate cancer has NO symptoms. Seeing a doctor is the only way to determine its existence. Early detection is the best defense. The American Cancer Society recommends a PSA blood test and a rectal exam for men starting at the age of 50 or earlier if a high risk candidate.

Facts about the PSA Blood Test: This test measures a substance called prostate-specific antigen, which is made by this gland. It is normal to find small amounts of this in the blood, and it can increase slightly with age, infections and benign conditions. A PSA level of less than four means that cancer is unlikely. A rising level should be discussed with the doctor. The only way to confirm prostate cancer is to have a biopsy.

Prostate cancer treatment: Treatment options vary and depend on patient age, stage of the cancer, and other individual medical conditions. Some available treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and “watchful waiting.”

(Source: The American Cancer Society, March, 2004)