Prostate screenings aimed at businessmen

For the 11th-straight year, the Northwest Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute hit a home run with its free prostate screening clinic. A capacity turnout of more than 250 men participated in the Sept. 11 session.

The Cancer Challenge, a non-profit organization in Rogers, funded the screenings which cost more than $4,500.

Over the last 10 years, 12 percent of the men who attended NARTI’s free prostate screenings were referred for further examination. Brian Holt, NARTI’s interim president and CEO, said the response to this year’s clinic was great.

“The first night, our urologists who volunteer their time draw blood and do a prostate specific antigen test,” Holt said.

“Then we have everyone back a week later and the doctors conduct digital rectal exams.”

Research indicates that following simple screening methods greatly reduces the risk of fatality due to the disease.

Statistics released by the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation show that at least 25 percent of all prostate cancer cases occur in men under the age of 65.

It’s estimated that next year in Arkansas, more than 2,000 men in their prime working years will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. About 400 of them will die from the disease.

Physicians who donated their time include Dr. Steve Shaddox, James Pickett and Dr. William Higginbotham of Fayetteville and Dr. Paul Bumpers and Dr. Jan Turley of Rogers.