The ‘Man Van’ is rolling into Medicine Hat

Don’t worry guys, it’s a blood test, not a glove test.

The Man Van will be at Medicine Hat’s London Drugs (3201 13th Avenue S.E.) on Saturday between noon and 3 p.m., offering free baseline PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood tests to men between the ages of 40 and 80.

The PSA test is a simple blood test that helps in the early detection of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and released in small amounts to the bloodstream. The amount of PSA in the bloodstream can often predict a man’s risk of prostate cancer.

Why should men be concerned? There are often no early warning signs of prostate cancer and early detection saves lives.

Balancing work, family and a social life keeps men busy. Prostate health is not always top-of-mind. It can be very difficult for men to fit regular doctor visits into their schedules. That is why the Prostate Cancer Centre offers the services of the Man Van to the community. No appointment is necessary and all men between the ages of 40 and 80 are encouraged to stop by and receive their free and confidential baseline PSA test in the comfort of the 32-ft. motor home.

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in A7lbertan men. One man in seven will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. Approximately 2,600 men will be diagnosed annually with prostate cancer and eight men will die from it every week.

The Prostate Cancer Centre is a non-profit organization established in 1999 and focused on the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer and prostate related disease. We support excellence in prostate cancer awareness, education, diagnosis, treatment, advocacy and research with the ultimate goal of eliminating advanced prostate cancer.