Senator Flanagan Joins With Stony Brook University To Promote Prostate Cancer Awareness

John J. Flanagan

September 14, 2009

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) is joining with Stony Brook University Medical Center’s Department of Urology to provide men throughout our community with free prostate screenings to commemorate Prostate Cancer Awareness week, which begins on Monday, September 21st.  The department’s Prostate Care Program, under the direction of Medical Director Howard L. Adler, will offer screenings from September 21st through September 24th at the Stony Brook Urology office located in Suite 500 at 24 Research Way in Setauket.

            According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancers, in American men and is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer.  In total, prostate cancer accounts for about 9% of cancer-related deaths in men.

            The ACS estimates that during this year, over 186,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and over 28,000 American men will die of prostate cancer this year alone. 

            That is why early detection is so important and offers men with prostate cancer the best chance at long-term survival.  Due to early detection and awareness, while 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, only 1 man in 35 will die of it.

            “Awareness and early detection are crucial in surviving any type of cancer and annual testing is an easy way to protect yourself.  Prostate cancer is a disease that statistically can be beaten if found early and I thank Stony Brook University for providing this important program,” stated Senator Flanagan.

            The Stony Brook Medical Center’s Department of Urology recommends annual testing for all men over the age of 40.

            Screenings are available from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on all days except Tuesday, September 22nd when the screenings will begin at 6 pm and end at 8 pm.  Due to limited availability and required appointments, residents who wish to take advantage of this free program are urged to call HealthConnect at 631-444-4000 to schedule their screening.

For more information on prostate cancer or further details about this event, including directions, please click here.