The Best Protection Is Early Detection!

Screening for cancer means looking for signs of disease in people who have no symptoms. Identifying a cancer in its early stage allows for more effective treatment. Markstein Services offers free and low-cost screenings for early detection of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer.

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer among women of all ages. However, chances for early detection increase significantly when you practice good breast health. Markstein Services provides free clinical breast exams and collaborates with the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center for free mammograms for uninsured or underinsured women.

To provide the most current information possible, Markstein Services follows the American Cancer Society and the National Institute for Cancer screening guidelines:

• Clinical Breast Exams every 1-3 years beginning at age 18
• Screening Mammograms every year beginning at age 40
• Self Breast Exam instruction and information
• Educational materials to reduce the risk of developing cancer

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Cancer of the colon and rectum is the third most malignant cancer in California. Yet when detected early and treated promptly, colorectal cancer is one of the most curable! Insurance covers the cost of this screening for most. Markstein Cancer Services is the only center in Northern California to offer free colorectal cancer screenings to uninsured and underinsured individuals!

We offer:

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy examinations to symptom-free men and women beginning at age 50
• Dietary and lifestyle recommendations to reduce risk

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, second only to skin cancer, affecting American men today. If you are an African American man or a man with a family history of prostate cancer, the likelihood of a prostate cancer diagnosis increases significantly. Prostate cancer has no symptoms in it’s early stages. The good news is that prostate cancer is treatable in its early stages, and can be caught early through regular screening.

Who should have a prostate cancer screening examination?

• Any man age 50-70
• African American men 35-70 years old
• Men with a family history of prostate cancer who are 40-70 years old

Which tests detect prostate cancer in its early stages?

• PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test
• DRE (digital rectal exam) of the prostate gland performed by a physician

We offer the following free resources:

• Four annual screenings including Prostate Cancer Educational Council screenings
• Educational materials and risk reduction material
• Support for those diagnosed with prostate cancer through our "Man to Man" support group
• Markstein Cancer Services (in collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Prostate Cancer "Diet and Prostate Cancer Screening in African American Men" research program) is examining whether there might be a connection between the foods men eat and prostate cancer. The rate of prostate cancer among African Americans is higher than any other ethnic group worldwide, therefore, African American men between the ages of 50-70 years old are asked to participate in a free, one time, prostate screening exam. Screenings are monthly. Participants are paid $30 for their time. For more information call (510) 869-8733.

Skin Cancer Screening

Do you have a suspicious mole or new skin growth? Get it checked right away! The Markstein Skin Cancer Screening Program offers the community:

• Free skin cancer screenings during the summer months. The screenings are in collaboration with the American Academy of Dermatology - Melanoma Skin Cancer Screenings program. The screenings provide early detection of melanomas and other skin cancers as well as prevention and self-examination educational materials.
• Skin cancer educational materials and speakers
• "Skin Chat" - an educational workshop and certification for business providers such as barbers, aestheticians, masseuses, and rehabilitative therapists who commonly observe customer's skin conditions. With education and materials, providers are instructed when and how to refer a client to a physician for a professional evaluation of a skin growth.

If you have questions about any of the screening topics listed above, or about participating in our upcoming screening events, please call Markstein Cancer Education & Prevention Services at (510) 869-8833, or email us at Markstein@sutterhealth.org.