By Matt Leingang
Enquirer staff writer

Richard Hughes had no symptoms of prostate cancer.

IF YOU GO

What: Free prostate cancer screening. Visitors are given a 15-minute PSA test, which tests a blood sample for high levels of a prostate-specific antigen. Open to men of all races and ages. Where: Jordan Crossing shopping center, 7030 Reading Road, Suite 304, Bond Hill. When: Noon-5 p.m. No appointment necessary. Information: 531-7539.

PROSTATE CANCER

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2004, 230,110 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and an estimated 29,900 will die. Here are answers to commonly asked questions: What is the prostate? The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that men have. It is part of the reproductive system that makes the fluid that carries sperm. Can prostate cancer be prevented? Medical experts do not know how to prevent prostate cancer. But they are studying many factors. For example, they do know that not smoking, a healthy diet, staying physically active and seeing your doctor regularly contribute to overall good health. There could be a genetic link. Men with a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer are at greater risk for developing it themselves. Is screening right for you? Medical experts recommend that African-American men, and men who have a father, brother, or son with prostate cancer, should discuss with their doctor the need for an annual screening test starting in their 40s. For all others, they recommend informing men of the benefits and limitations of prostate cancer screening, and offering the screening tests annually beginning at age 50. Are African-American men at increased risk for prostate cancer? Yes. Though all men are at risk, African-American men have higher rates of getting and dying from prostate cancer than men of other racial or ethnic groups in the United States. Scientists do not know why that is the case. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Many men with prostate cancer have no symptoms. If symptoms appear, they can include blood in the urine; the need to urinate frequently, especially at night; weak or interrupted urine flow; pain or burning feeling while urinating; the inability to urinate; constant pain in lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs. Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

But a year ago, after discussing with friends how the disease attacks and kills African-Americans at higher rates, Hughes took advantage of a free screening offered every Saturday at Jordan Crossing shopping center in Bond Hill.

For Hughes, the news was bad. A blood test showed high levels of a prostate-specific antigen, and further testing confirmed the diagnosis. But since then, hormone therapy has reduced the size of his tumor.

"I'm just happy that tests caught it," said Hughes, 59, of Hyde Park.

The screening program, staffed with clinicians from the Barrett Cancer Center, is an important part of Greater Cincinnati's effort to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities.

Each free screening has an estimated value of $90. Since the program began Aug. 30, it has tested 229 men. Fifteen have had elevated PSA levels. Some, such as Hughes, already have a confirmed diagnosis; others are still being evaluated.

For those who lack health insurance or don't have a urologist, the Barrett Center will offer an evaluation and provide treatment.

Free diabetes screenings are to be offered at Jordan Crossing this fall. Also in the works is a medical van that will bring prostate screening to other neighborhoods.

The program is supported with private donations - $27,500 each from Western & Southern Financial Group and the American Financial Group, along with an additional $5,000 from the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Testing is also sponsored by the Rev. Donald H. Jordan Sr., 72, himself a prostate cancer survivor and pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Bond Hill, which owns the shopping center through a foundation.

"This is a great partnership that we've developed with the business community, one that we expect will save lives," said Dr. William Barrett, director of radiation oncology at the Barrett Center.

In Hamilton County, prostate cancer is the third-most common form of cancer for men - after lung and colorectal cancer - and the second-most common cause of cancer-related death, behind lung cancer.

Lack of early detection is a big reason why African-American men have the highest mortality rate from prostate cancer, Barrett said.

When the cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the cure rate is every bit as good as for whites, about 85 percent, he said.

In general, health disparities are caused by an array of factors, including socioeconomic levels, environment, lifestyle and behavior, and access to medical care, experts say. But mistrust of the health care system also is a factor.

The problem is getting renewed focus in Greater Cincinnati and around the country. Be it cancer, heart disease, AIDS or diabetes, African-Americans and Hispanics are dying at faster rates.

In March, former Cincinnati mayor Dwight Tillery was named the first executive director of the Center for Closing the Health Gap, a new agency launched by the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati to develop public health strategies aimed at reducing health disparities.

When it comes to prostate cancer, Hughes said there's one strategy that is proven to work.

"I tell everybody I can, just get out there and get tested," Hughes said.

E-mail mleingang@enquirer.com