The American Cancer Society estimates that 27,050 men in the United States will die of prostate cancer in 2007.

In an effort to help reduce these numbers, brothers of the Aiken and Augusta Alumni Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. are working to get the word out.

The organization was written into a grant along with University Health Care System and Lowe's to help promote early detection of prostate cancer and will be offering free screenings at Lowe's locations throughout the CSRA during the month of September.

"We are trying to get the word out to the community with an emphasis on African American men," said Walter Glover, committee chair for the event.

Although all men are at risk, African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world and the lowest rate of survival, according to the American Cancer Society.

Every man should be screened every year starting at age 50 or beginning at age 45 if you are an African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer at a young age.

"This is very important because as with any cancer early detection is the key," said committee member Moses Mims. "The earlier it is detected, the more treatable it is."

During the screening, a blood sample will be taken by a representative from the hospital to test the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level. If needed the person will be contacted by a physician for a follow-up. No registration is required.

"No one will be turned away during these screenings," said Glover. "Our goal is to reach about 1,200 men."

He encourages men to visit one of the four testing sites held in the CSRA.

In addition to Lowe's of Aiken on Whiskey Road, tests also will be given at the location in North Augusta on Knox Ave., in West Augusta on Bobby Jones Expressway and in South Augusta on Peach Orchard Road.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. was founded in 1911 with the motto of "Achievement in every field of human endeavor."

Article provided by: Aiken Standard