Fewer men getting screened for prostate cancer during pandemic
Doctors say early detection through screening saves lives
Doctors say early detection through screening saves lives
Doctors say early detection through screening saves lives
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, but this year, the message behind it comes with a warning.
Doctors say fewer men in Maine are getting screened because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jim McGowan was 52 years old when he found out he had prostate cancer back in December of 2006.
He says doing research and finding a support system, really just someone to talk to, helped him get through. He's now part of the Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer, a group that provides families one place for information, transportation and financial help resources, support groups and even volunteers to talk one-on-one.
Dr. Jesse Sammon is a urologist with Maine Medical Center and encourages men at an average risk to get screened starting at 55.
But he says fewer men are getting screened right now because people are avoiding the doctor's office during the pandemic.
He says evidence shows that early detection of prostate cancer can save lives. African American men, men who have family history or are obese are considered at a high risk and are advised to get screened starting at 45.