Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 22, 2012)
News African-American Men: Caught in Prostate Cancer Controversy By Chiledum A. Ahaghotu, M.D., F.A.C.S., Chief of Urology at Howard University Hospital, adviser to Men’s Health Network P rostate cancer is the leading type of cancer in men in the United States, with over 240,000 men diagnosed and 30,000 thousand dying from it each year. Also, for reasons that are not completely under- stood, African-American men have the highest rates of prostate cancer in the U.S, as 1 in 5 will get prostate cancer in their life- time. African-Americans are also 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.5 times likely to die of the dis- ease. When caught early, prostate cancer can be treat- ed, usually successfully. But, because many men experience no symptoms, it is often identified only by an abnormal result on a basic prostate cancer screening called the PSA test. The PSA test is a blood test that measures prostate- specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate gland. An increase in the PSA level is often the only sign of early prostate cancer. The PSA test is also valuable in monitoring patients after treatment. In May 2012, despite tremen- dous opposition from prostate cancer experts, leg- islators, healthcare advo- cates and cancer survivors across the country, a US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) Commit- tee announced a recommen- dation that PSA testing should no longer be per- formed routinely on men in the United States. The task force came to this decision based on studies performed in the United States and Europe suggesting that prostate cancer screening does not appear to improve survival in patients with this disease. One of the major concerns raised by opponents of the recommendation is the fact that the studies that were sited lacked representation by African-American par- ticipants. Thus, their results may not be applicable to that group of men. The USPSTF committee also failed to acknowledge the impact of screening on declining cancer death rates. Opponents of this recom- We honor the many accomplishments of African Americans. It is our primary goal as a labor union to better the lives of all people working in the building trades through advocacy, civil demonstration, and the long-held belief that workers deserve a "family wage" - fair pay for an honest day's work. A family wage, and the benefits that go with it, not only strengthens families, but also allows our communities to become stronger, more cohesive, and more responsive to their citizens' needs. Our family wage agenda reflects our commitment to people working in the building trades, and to workers every- where. In this small way, we are doing our part to help people achieve the American Dream. This dream that work- ers can hold dear regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, creed, or religious beliefs. The Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters Representing more than 5.000 construction work- ers in Oregon State. Do you want to know more about becoming a Union carpenter? SUB-BIDS REQUESTED Lease Crutcher Lewis is requesting sub bids for the following project: Project: METRO – OREGON ZOO – Cascade Marsh and African Lagoon Bid Due: 8/29/2012 – 10:00am PT Project Description: Renovate the Cascade Beaver Marsh Aviary and Africa Lagoon exhibits. Scope of work includes: • upgraded filtrations system. (See Alternates on Drawings) • Remodel of two rooms in the existing structure for the purpose of flamingo holding • Construction of a second, new structure for bird holding Seeking bids for Select Demolition, AC Paving, Sitework, Landscape, Concrete, Misc Metals, Metal Roofing & Flashing, Doors & Hardware, Cement Plaster, Epoxy Floors, Painting, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical Drawings are available at Lease Crutcher Lewis 550 SW 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205 OR – ARC Ore- gon www.e-arc.com/locations/overview/arc-oregon Bids can be faxed to Lease Crutcher Lewis at 503.223.2874. Please contact Patrick Rank at 503.223.0500 for questions. 550 SW 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205 T: 503 223 0550 F: 503 223 2874 lewisbuilds.com Lease Crutcher Lewis, LLC is committed to taking affir- mative action to encourage and facilitate the participa- tion of minority, women, and emerging small business enterprises (M/W/ESBE) in Stateprojects and encour- age Subcontractors to provide similar opportunities for their subcontractors /vendors. 8-22-12 Page 6 The Seattle Skanner August 22, 2012 w theska ww. nner. com mendation felt that the bot- tom line is that fewer men are dying of prostate cancer and it is very likely that early detection has played a role in this outcome. Despite the decrease in death rates, African-Ameri- can men continue to carry a disproportionately higher death rate and, among men under the age of 60, are 4 times more likely to have metastatic disease at diag- nosis. There is currently ongoing research to find better screening strategies than the PSA test. However, until these tests have been con- firmed, the PSA test contin- ues to be important part of early detection and should not be blatantly discarded, especially as it applies to high risk populations such as African-American men. Any man that is over 40 years of age should have meaningful dialogue with his healthcare provider to understand the details of the PSA test, its value, and pos- sible shortcomings. Prostate cancer screenings are not provided under the Afford- able Care Act, so make sure you choose a health insur- ance policy that covers PSA screenings. However, regu- lar prostate cancer screen- ings are provided by Medicare, so if you are retired, take advantage of this benefit. If you are diag- nosed with prostate cancer, also consider all options for treatment before making a decision or, if the cancer is not aggressive, talk to your doctor about active surveil- lance. For information call 303-313-4685/Toll free: 1- 866-4-PROST-8. Two Public Housing Priorities That May Allow You to Apply Even When Waiting Lists Are Closed Home Forward is pleased to announce a new Public Housing priority for households that require accessible features that accommodate a wheelchair. Families and individuals who qualify for this priority can apply at any time, even when waitlists are closed. This priority does not apply to the Section 8 program. Households must verify their need for this priority by having a physician or other licensed professional com- plete a Priority Verification Requiring Unit with Accessi- ble Features form from Home Forward. The second priority is for households that have a mem- ber who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less. This priority can be used to apply for Public Housing and Section 8, even when waitlists are closed. Households must verify their need for this priority by having a physician complete a Priority Verification Due to Health form. To request the Priority Verification form for either of these priorities for Public Housing please call 503-802- 8405. To request the Priority Verification Due to Health form only for Section 8 please call 503-802-8333, option 7. Applications will be provided after households have sub- mitted this form and verified that they qualify for the pri- ority. Applications will be accepted for both of these priorities indefinitely or until further notice from Home Forward. Waiting lists currently remain closed to households that don't qualify for these priorities. 22-8-12
