1 in 8 men: Upcoming Laredo screening event spotlights Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

By Admin

29 Aug, 2025

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time when health experts urge men to prioritize screenings that could save lives. With prostate cancer affecting an estimated 1 in 8 men nationwide, early detection remains the strongest defense against the disease.

Free Screening Event in Laredo

To raise awareness and provide resources to the community, Doctors Hospital is hosting a Prostate Cancer Screening Event on Thursday, September 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place in the hospital’s main lobby at 10700 McPherson Road. Screenings will be available to the first 100 men, ages 55 to 69.

Dr. Edwin Morales, a urologist at Doctors Hospital, highlighted the importance of getting tested early:
“It is very treatable in both early and late stages. It is much easier and more tolerable to be treated in the early stages, and that really starts with screenings and early detection,” he said.

How the Screening Works

The screening involves a simple blood test that can identify potential warning signs of prostate cancer, even in its earliest stages. If elevated levels are detected, patients will be referred to a urologist for further evaluation.

Dr. Morales explained that not all elevated results indicate cancer:
“There are certain benign conditions that are not prostate cancer that can cause elevation. Whether you’re a cowboy riding a horse, a motorcyclist, or even an avid cyclist, all can cause what we call spurious elevations   levels that are not correlated with cancer risk or cancer presence.”

Why Early Detection Matters

One of the biggest challenges with prostate cancer is that it often presents no symptoms in its early stages. Without screenings, men may not know they are at risk until the disease progresses. That’s why awareness campaigns like this one are vital to ensuring men take proactive steps toward their health.

Final Takeaway

With prostate cancer affecting millions of men, the upcoming Laredo event serves as both a reminder and an opportunity. Screenings are quick, accessible, and potentially life-saving. For men in the recommended age group, showing up for this simple test could make all the difference.