Wednesday, April 24, 2002

Free cancer screenings this Saturday

April is Cancer Control Month and Georgians have an opportunity to take action and participate in free colon, skin, breast, prostate, and oral cancer screenings Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Georgia's largest and most comprehensive screening event, sponsored by the nonprofit Georgia Cancer Foundation, will take place at 19 locations in north and central Georgia. Oral screenings and tobacco risk education will be available at 10 sites in Fulton, Cobb, Hall, and Stephens counties and central Georgia sites. Reservations for appointments are being accepted after April 1 at 770-396-7995 and 1-888-441-CURE (2873).

This year an estimated 31,600 Georgians will develop cancer and 13,700 will die from the disease. One Georgian is being diagnosed every 16 minutes and one will die of cancer about every 38 minutes. These numbers can be reduced with early detection, education, and cancer screenings. Regular screening examinations by a health care provider can result in early detection of many cancers, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

"With proper screening, 100 percent of colon cancer may be preventable," says Dr. Bruce A. Feinberg, CEO of Georgia Cancer Specialists and the Georgia Cancer Foundation's chairman of the board. "Early detection of breast, prostate, skin, and colon cancers could cut the cancer death rate by 50 percent."

Last year, 1,038 participants benefited from the free screenings. There were a total of 378 positive findings, primarily for skin cancer, which has a growing incidence rate in the South. "This event can save lives," says Brenda Horne, Executive Director for the Georgia Cancer Foundation.

Medical professionals will conduct physical exams for breast, prostate, and skin cancers. At 10 of the 19 locations, the Georgia Cancer Foundation will offer screenings for oral cancer and tobacco risk education. All qualified individuals can take home a special testing kit for colon cancer. All abnormal test results will be mailed to affected participants with a request for acknowledgement of the results and a plan of action.

The screenings are intended for adults who have not been diagnosed with that specific type of cancer and have no known symptoms. They are also meant to be convenient, with locations throughout metro Atlanta, as well as in Toccoa, Gainesville, Macon, Hawkinsville, and Milledgeville. To make an appointment, call 770-396-7995 or 1-888-441-CURE (2873) or register online at www.gacancerfoundation.org.

This life-saving event is possible due to the support of sponsors including Georgia Cancer Specialists, The American Cancer Society, The Georgia Cancer Coalition, the Tobacco Use Prevention Units of Cobb and Douglas Counties Boards of Health, Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, DHR Public Health District 5, District 2 Public Health, Aventis Oncology, Ortho Biotech Oncology, Immunex, Pharmacia Oncology, and hundreds of physicians and volunteers.

Georgia Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing comprehensive community and professional cancer education, as well as early detection programs and support throughout the continuum of cancer care. The Foundation's innovative programs benefit Georgia residents who are affected by all types of cancer.