Men in Lethbridge will be able to get a free blood test without an appointment this week, aimed at early prostate cancer detection.
Th Man Van will set up in the London Drugs parking lot between 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 25 to offer free baseline prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests to any man over the age of 40.
Men under 40 can get blood pressure, blood glucose, stress check questionnaire and a waist circumference measurement there also.
“Balancing work, family and a social life keeps men busy. 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 is pleased to offer the services of the Man Van to the community,” reads a news release from the Prostate Cancer Centre.
According to the center, one man in seven will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime in Alberta and about 2,800 men are diagnosed annually.
“In Canada, the state of men’s health is often called the ‘silent crisis.’ Men live five years less than women on average and out of the top 15 causes of death, men lead in 14. Men also are more likely to avoid preventative care, delay treatment, pay less attention to health information and are less likely to have a health care provider,” the news release says. “Measurements for waist circumference, blood pressure and blood glucose can help men determine a Man’s overall health status and allow health practitioners to catch and possibly reverse potential problems early on.”