For Immediate Release
September 11, 2007
Contact: John Shaffer
732-776-4166
jshaffer@meridianhealth.com

FREE PROSTATE SCREENINGS OFFERED ON SEPTEMBER 20 AT JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Neptune, NJ - Jersey Shore University Medical Center will offer its annual free prostate cancer screenings on September 20. Screenings will be held from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm in the Ambulatory Oncology Unit of the Amdur Ambulatory Care Center, located at the eastern side of the Jersey Shore campus off Rt. 33.

According to Prostate Cancer Education Council, men 40 and older (recommended age limit of 75) should be tested, unless they are currently under the care of a urologist. Men with a family history of prostate cancer or those who are African-American or Hispanic may be screened beginning at age 35. Baseline screenings are important, since prostate cancer does not always present symptoms.

The following are the most common symptoms of prostate cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently, or not at all. Symptoms may include:
-- weak or interrupted flow of urine
-- urinating often (especially at night)
-- difficulty urinating or holding back urine
-- inability to urinate
-- pain or burning when urinating
-- blood in the urine or semen
-- nagging pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
-- difficulty having an erection

Certified urologists will conduct the screenings, which include a prostate exam and PSA blood test. The event is free, however, registration is required. Please call the Meridian Health Line to register at 1-800-560-9990.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a not-for-profit university teaching and home to the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital -- the first children's hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Jersey Shore is the regional provider of cardiac surgery, a program that has been ranked among the best in the Northeast, and is home to the only trauma center and nationally-designated stroke center in the region. Jersey Shore University Medical Center specializes in cardiac care and surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation, cancer care, and advanced women's and children's health services. For more information on Meridian's advanced cardiac services or a referral to a Meridian cardiologist, please call 1-800-560-9990 or visit www.meridianhealth.com.

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