Cancer is a silent killer and detecting it can be quite tricky. But like any other illness, prevention is always better than cure that is why health authorities strongly encourage the screening of the disease.

In an effort to strengthen the battle against prostate cancer, the Madison County Health Department has partnered with the Urology Health Foundation in providing free prostate cancer screening on Tuesday.

Like Us on Facebook

Testing will be held at the Madison County Health Department beginning at 10:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon, Pulse Headlines has learned.

Last year, the same event was held which benefited around 200 men, who availed the free prostate cancer screening.

Screening for prostate cancer involves a physical rectal examination - where the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or other abnormalities on the prostate - and a test measuring the prostate-specific antigen in the blood or the PSA test, according to News Ledge.

The general recommended ages for men of average risk to undergo screening are from 40 to 50 years old. But those aged 40-75 who have a family history of developing prostate cancer are urged to have a PSA test performed right away since a medical test is the best way to be sure.

While most men cringe at the sound of prostate cancer screening, health officials cannot emphasize more the importance of the test since it offers early detection which also leads to early treatment that all in all is just life-saving.

 Around 80% of men who reach the age of 80 are affected by prostate cancer. Like any other cancer, there are no warning signs during its early infection and symptoms usually only appear once the cancer had advanced to other parts of the body.

Common signs of prostate cancer include difficulty in starting and stopping urination, frequent urination at night, painful or burning sensation during urination, blood in semen or urine, inability to urinate while standing, leaking of urine when coughing or laughing and distressed or impaired urinary track, according to Daily Times Gazette.

Founded in 2003, the Urology Health Foundation advocates prostate cancer awareness and provides free prostate cancer screenings with the aim to save lives.

TagsScreening tests, PSA, Cancer, prostate, Urology Health Foundation, Madison County