Screenings designed to save men's lives

A retired banker sets up free annual tests for prostate cancer and other diseases.

By Tom Valeo, Special to the Times
Published February 26, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT [Kathleen Flynn | Times] Robert Samuels, left, and Dr. Brian Rivers have been instrumental in boosting public awareness of the need for prostate cancer tests. Samuels was diagnosed with the cancer despite having regular physical exams.

TAMPA - As a banking executive and then into retirement, Robert Samuels received a first-class physical every year.

Yet, in 1994, just four months after a thorough workup, he discovered he had prostate cancer. He was unsure if he had received a prostate cancer screening.

"I was 56 at the time, and I had no symptoms," Samuels said. "A colleague mentioned that he had just been screened for prostate cancer, and I called my doctor back and asked, 'Did you test me?' "

He went in for the prostate-specific antigen test and found that his level was 47. Normal is between 0 and 4.

Samuels was successfully treated, but he has become an advocate for prostate cancer screening, especially for African-American men. According to the American Cancer Society, the prostate cancer death rate for African-American men is more than twice that of white men.

To encourage men to get tested, Samuels created the Florida Prostate Cancer Network, which will sponsor its eighth annual African-American Men's Health Forum from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Hillsborough Community College-Dale Mabry Campus in Tampa. The event, which is open to the public, offers free screening to men of all races for prostate cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eye problems and HIV/AIDS. Co-sponsors for the event are St. Joseph's Hospital, the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute and Tampa General Hospital.

"The first year, 750 men showed up," Samuels said. "In the seven years we've been doing this, 10,000 men have been screened."

And since access to medical care is a big reason why many people don't get screened for the disease, the forum also provides "safety nets," as Samuels calls them.

"We invite the VA Veterans Affairs to participate, and people from Medicare and the county's indigent health care program," Samuels said.

In addition, the hospitals that conduct the screenings - St. Joseph's, Tampa General and Moffitt - will help people find a way to get medical care no matter what their financial status.

Brian Rivers, executive director of the FPCN, has conducted research aimed at determining what prevents men from undergoing prostate cancer screening and seeking treatment.

"I think the biggest factor is lack of awareness and knowledge," Rivers said. "One of the principle barriers to screening is that men just aren't aware of their risk. There also are policy barriers, such as lack of insurance and lack of access to health care."

The unpleasantness of getting tested, however, does not seem to be a big deterrent.

"Those who have been through it may talk about the discomfort of a digital rectal exam," Rivers said, "but men are willing to endure one or two minutes of discomfort. Education is the key. Education is what generates increased awareness and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health."

The title of the event could be misleading, since it is not limited to African-American men or to prostate screening.

"I wanted to reach the high-risk segment - black males - but the intent was to offer free exams to all men," Samuels said.

Freelance writer Tom Valeo writes about medical and health issues. Write to him in care of Pulse, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or e-mail features@sptimes.com.

Health forum for men, women

- The eighth annual African-American Men's Health Forum will be from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Hillsborough Community College-Dale Mabry Campus in Tampa. The forum is sponsored by the Florida Prostate Cancer Network, St. Joseph's Hospital, the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute and Tampa General Hospital.

- The event offers free screening to men of all races for prostate cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eye problems and HIV/AIDS.

- In addition, there will be a program for women on breast cancer and other health issues.

- Men who want to be tested for diabetes and cholesterol should not eat for 12 hours prior to the test. Breakfast will be served at the event.

- For more information, visit www.aamhf.org. To preregister, call (813) 745-6491.

[Last modified February 25, 2008, 17:14:03]