Thomas L. Jang, M.D., M.P.H., is a urologic oncologist at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) and an assistant professor of surgery at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.  This year, Dr. Jang is leading the clinical component of annual prostate cancer screenings being held on Sept. 19, 20 and 21. CINJ and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) partnered for this event.

For men 40 and older, it can be an uncomfortable scenario – getting screened for prostate cancer.  But the truth is, it only takes a minute – and that minute could save your life. 

One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men other than skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in males, but, if caught early, it can be successfully treated, if appropriate.

That is why The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) join forces each year to educate men and their families about this disease through an annual screening event, held in September in recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Participants receive a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam, as well as prostate-specific literature, and have the opportunity to speak to a urologic oncologist from the Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Cancer Center at CINJ.  Spanish-speaking assistants also are on hand.

This year’s event will be held on September 19, 20 and 21, from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. each day, at CINJ (195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick).  The screenings are open to men aged 40 to 75. Limited free parking will be available.

While the screenings are free, an appointment is necessary and can be made by calling 1-888-MD-RWJUH.  Additional information can be found at: http://www.cinj.org/prostatescreenings. 

In New Jersey it is estimated that 7,800 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed by year’s end, while 1,100 men will die from the disease. With this quick and simple screening method, we hope that we can reduce that number by detecting potentially harmful cancers at an earlier and curable stage.  So, we hope you will take a minute to register or encourage a loved one to do so.