POINT PLEASANT — When it comes to certain medical examinations, sometimes embarrassment can get in the way of making that trip to the doctor’s office even though the procedure may be a potential lifesaver.

It was reported that the month of September is ‘Prostate Cancer Awareness Month’ and the Mason County Health Department and Dr. Shirkant Vaidya, Urologist and Pleasant Valley Hospital Laboratory and Outreach Services, will be offering a free prostate cancer screening clinic, from 4:30-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the health department, located at 216 5th Street in Point Pleasant.

It was reported the clinic is for men ages 45 and older and the exam will include the digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test, and is by appointment. It was also stated the PSA blood test, which provides important information regarding the diagnosis, and potential risk for patients, is supported by the American Urological Association.

In addition to some types of skin cancers, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, and is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among men in America. In addition to men over 45 years old, other men at risk include those with a family history of prostate cancer and African-American men.

It was also stated that if caught early enough, prostate cancer is one of the most survivable types of cancers. In 2003, it was reported that 97 percent of men diagnosed early survived at least five years, 79 percent survived for 10 years, and 60 percent survived for an additional 15 years or more.

To schedule an appointment for the free clinic, or for more information regarding prostate cancer, contact the health department at 304-675-3050.