Western Baptist offers free prostate seminar and screening

As part of the NFL campaign, “Know Your Stats: Prostate Defense Begins at 40,” Western Baptist offers a free breakfast seminar for men on prostate health and a demonstration of the da Vinci robot from 7 to 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, in the Baptist Heart Center auditorium.

Men of all ages are invited to the seminar. Reservations are required: (270) 575-2895 or lora.croley@bhsi.com.

The first 40 registrants also may sign up for a free baseline prostate screening, if they are 40 to 70 years old, are not under a urologist’s care and have not been screened before. 

The seminar speaker is Western Baptist urologist Donald Spicer, M.D. Dr. Spicer said patients with prostate cancer benefit from the da Vinci robotic system.  “Many patients having prostate surgery now experience less post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays,” he said.

The hospital is partnering with the National Football League and the American Urological Foundation on the awareness campaign.

Paducah native George Wilson, a Buffalo Bills safety, will share a taped message encouraging men 40 and older to talk to their doctors about prostate cancer testing.

“From my years at Paducah Tilghman High School, Arkansas and now in the NFL, I know how important stats are in sports. My mom is a nurse at Western Baptist, and she has taught me that knowing your health numbers is even more important – literally they can save your life!” he said. “So know your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and men, get your PSA. Taking care of yourself is always a winning strategy, so join us in the NFL to ‘Know Your Stats!’ ”

Seminar attendees will be eligible for a NFL tickets drawing.

One in every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. A physical exam and simple blood test to establish a baseline PSA (prostate-specific antigen) score today could help save a life later, Dr. Spicer said.