Prostate cancer survivor offers free screenings at Des Moines Farmer’s Market
By Abigail Kurten
Click here for updates on this story
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Prostate Cancer Awareness of Central Iowa urged men to get checked early for prostate cancer at the Des Moines Farmer’s Market Saturday morning.
According to the Iowa Cancer Registry, prostate cancer is expected to affect 3,100 men in Iowa this year, with nearly 400 projected to die from the disease.
That’s why Mark Good helped organize free blood screenings for any man who wanted them.
“Why does it matter to me? Because I got screened. It took two years to find it,” Good said.
Good was diagnosed with prostate cancer over a decade ago after undergoing several rounds of testing. He credits early detection for saving his life, noting that without the test, he might not have known he had cancer until it progressed.
“If you catch it early, 99% survival rate at five years versus 33% at five years if you catch it too late,” Good said.
Fortunately, his cancer was caught early, and now he is encouraging other men to act sooner rather than later.
Blood tests, which can detect higher-than-normal levels of prostate-specific antigens, are a key tool in early detection. While these tests cannot diagnose cancer, they can indicate whether further medical consultation is needed.
Just 10 minutes is all it takes to determine whether someone should call their doctor — 10 minutes that could potentially save a life.
Prostate cancer is likely to be the most-diagnosed cancer in Iowa this year, yet it remains one of the least discussed. Good believes that open conversations can help men better understand their risks.
“If you have a brother with prostate cancer, first of all, the numbers really go up — there’s a 50, 75, 90% chance of getting prostate cancer. And men don’t talk to one another. So they may not know that they have that,” Good said.
Whether you’re showing symptoms, have a loved one with prostate cancer, or simply want to be sure, Good’s message is clear: “Screen today. Live longer. That’s our motto.”
Some of the best ways you can help lower your prostate cancer risk include staying active, eating vegetables and fiber-rich foods and avoiding smoking.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.