Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, and the disease is relatively simple to detect during its early stages.

In an effort to promote the health of our community, Norman Regional Health System is offering free prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood screenings to men ages 50 and older and men with a family history of the disease.

The free screenings will be offered through Dec. 4 at six of the Health System's Lab Drawing Stations:

· Doctor's Park Building, 500 E. Robinson St., Suite 1600, 307-1149

· Findlay Medical Center, 809 N. Findlay St., Suite 101, 573-3754

· Moore Medical Center, 700 S. Telephone Road, 912-3020

· HealthPlex Professional Building, 3400 W. Tecumseh Road, Suite 101, 307-6966

· Outpatient Diagnostic Services, 901 N. Porter Ave., Northeast Entrance, 307-2641

· Robinson Medical Center, 701 E. Robinson St., Suite 103, 360-3680

One in six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to surrounding areas. However, if the disease is caught in its early stages, men have an excellent chance of overcoming the cancer.

Most men with early stages of prostate cancer have few or no symptoms of the disease. Because of this, screening tests are critical to detect and treat the disease before it spreads.

Men ages 50 and older should make an appointment for a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test as well as a digital rectal examination (DRE). The two tests take only about 10 minutes to complete. African American men and men with a family history of the disease are at higher risk and should initiate regular screenings at an earlier age. Men who have three or more direct family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have an almost 100 percent chance of contracting the disease. The condition also becomes more common as men age.

Visit www.normanregional.com to find a physician to complete the DRE and schedule a review of your PSA results.