Methodist Health System's Prostate Screening Program Receives Donation from ZERO Cancer

DALLAS — Methodist Health System’s Prostate Screening and Awareness Program (PSAP) has received recognition in the form of a $10,000 donation from ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer. The funds will support the ongoing community-screening program of the health system in North Texas. PSAP launched in 2000 and to date has screened more than 80,000 men, more than any other hospital-based program in the United States according to the American Cancer Society. Outreach programs include an education and screening program for men and their families.

“ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer applauds Methodist’s efforts to decrease morbidity and mortality of this deadly disease through early detection and appreciate your dedication to helping men and their families,” says Jamie Bearse, president and CEO of ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer. “We are providing financial support to ensure that successful programs like Methodist’s continues to provide lifesaving screening programs in the community.”

PSAP last year focused on the African-American male population, who are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer compared with Caucasian men and nearly 2.5 times as likely to die from the disease. The American Cancer Society changed its screening guidelines in 2013 with outcry from the African-American community due to higher risk, as this online article shows (cancer.org). Methodist adapted its screening program, placing additional focus on education and following the American Cancer Society’s recommendations.

The American Cancer Society recommends the annual PSA test combined with a digital rectal exam to help provide more information and education while helping reassure men that it is unlikely they have prostate cancer. Methodist recognizes that PSA tests are just one piece of a total screening program.

“The goal of our screening and education program is to help inform men so they open up a dialogue with their doctor,” says Timothy Upshaw, manager of the PSAP. “The program has helped a lot of African-American men over the years, providing baseline testing. We are grateful to ZERO Cancer for their financial support.”

For more information on upcoming screening events, visit MethodistHealthSystem.org/PSAP.

About Methodist Health System

Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Dallas-based Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated health care to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Eight hospitals and 27 Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are part of the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the fastest-growing health systems in America, Methodist continues to add facilities and services to enhance patient care along the entire continuum. Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org. Connect through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

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