This weekend, Parkview Community Nursing and experts from the Parkview Cancer Institute are hosting a cancer screening and awareness event for men and women in the community. We asked Carmen Moore, MS, RN, BSN, CLS, manager, Parkview Community Nursing, to tell us more about what guests can expect.
What inspired this event?
This has been my vision for several years, as I’ve seen many men and women of color diagnosed late and suffer from terminal prostate, breast and other cancers. A while back, I was in Indianapolis and saw the Rev. Charles Williams’ mobile unit in Indianapolis. There was a long line of African American men waiting for screenings, and again, I was motivated to bring this awareness to the Fort Wayne area.
After many months of planning with the city of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne United TenPoint Coalition and Parkview Cancer Institute staff, everything came together.
Why is this event important for this population in particular?
Many men and women of color seek healthcare after they experience complications, therefore they are diagnosed late and suffer with terminal cancers.
What can attendees expect?
Rev. Charles Williams’ Mobile PSA unit will be on site to give free PSAs (a blood test to screen for prostate cancer) to the first 100 men over age 50 who desire a screening. This is a simple blood draw and not a rectal screening, which can be a deterrent for some.
Women can get a breast cancer screening on Francine’s Friends Mobile Mammography Unit. This service will be billed if they have insurance and free if the woman is not insured or unable to pay.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will also be on site for children under 18 years of age who need immunizations and health checks. This will be billed if the child is insured, and no charge for those without coverage.
Registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, physicians, genetic counselors, lab techs, respiratory therapists and dietitians will all be on site to answer health questions and provide cancer awareness information to all in attendance. The Parkview Community Nursing team will be available to provide hypertension screenings.
Why are screenings so important?
Early screening is important for early diagnosis and treatment to increase vitality and quality of life.
Event details
Join the Parkview Community Nursing team to learn more about cancer and cancer risk factors on Saturday, September 14, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Weisser Park, 802 Eckart St., Fort Wayne.
Experts from the Parkview Cancer Institute will be on hand to answer your questions and provide information regarding the following types of cancers:
- Blood cancers
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Genitourinary cancers
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
- Testicular cancer
To schedule a mammogram, call 260-483-1847. Walk-ins are welcome for all other services.
Learn more about this event.
