BERNARDS – The Regional Chronic Disease Coalition of Morris and Somerset Counties (RCDC),  in conjunction with the Bernards Township Health Department and Morristown Medical Center, will sponsor an educational program entitled “Prostate Cancer: To Screen or Not to Screen? Clearing up the Confusion” on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, located at 45 Church St., Liberty Corner, NJ 07938.

      The evening will begin with light refreshments at 6:30 p.m., and the program will follow at 7 p.m.  Spouses and significant others are invited to attend and become informed on this important male health issue. Additionally, educational literature and cancer resources will be available.  A question-and-answer period will follow the program.

Dr. Arthur Israel of Garden State Urology in Morristown and Dr. Keith A. Harmon of Somerset Urological Associates in Somerville will present timely information on risk factors, prevention, screening guidelines and current treatment options for prostate cancer. Both doctors are board certified in urology.

      “We encourage men to make it a priority to learn more about prostate health and prostate cancer as they consider whether to seek screening for prostate cancer,” said Freeholder Mark Calguire, public health & safety department liaison.

In May, the American Urological Association published new guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer. New guidelines recommend that PSA testing and exams be individualized and conducted in conjunction with shared decision making between the patient and his physician, and not through community-based screenings. 

      To register for this program, contact the Bernards Township Health Department by calling (908) 204-2520 or emailing health@bernards.org.

The RCDC is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Cancer Control and Prevention to the Somerset County Public Health & Safety Department.

For more information on the Coalition, to become a member or learn more about available chronic disease and cancer resources, screening locations, dates, times and eligibility, contact RCDC Coordinator Lucille Y-Talbot at (908) 203-6077 or ytalbot@co.somerset.nj.us.  Information also is available on the RCDC website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health/RCDC