Griffin Hospital Offers Free Prostate Screenings

DERBY – Griffin Hospital will offer free prostate cancer screenings from 4-6 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 15 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

 

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men at 50 years old. Men at higher risk, including African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should be screened at age 45. Men at a very high risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 years) should receive be tested at age 40.

 

“We strongly encourage the men in our community to take advantage of these free screenings,” said Dr. Fred Browne, vice president of Medical Affairs at Griffin Hospital. “As the third-leading cancer killer in men, prostate cancer is a serious disease, but it can be successfully treated if caught at an early stage. This event will be a combination of preventative screening and education, so men know what symptoms to look for and they can share this information with friends, family and neighbors.”

 

The screening will take 10-15 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register, call 203-732-1280.

 

About Prostate Cancer

Approximately 1 in 7 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Screening is critical because early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. More advanced prostate cancers sometimes cause symptoms, such as:

• Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED)
• Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord 

If you have any of these warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings. Contact your physician immediately, or call Griffin Faculty Physicians Urologists at (203) 732-2651 or visit griffinfacultyphysicians.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Relay in Shelton fights cancer, raises spirits

SHELTON - On Saturday my husband Ralph and I enjoyed the camaraderie of the Circle of Friends support group during the survivors' luncheon before the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at the Shelton Riverwalk.

I tried to get a photo when people were chatting - and not chewing.

   And there was cake!

Kudos to members of the committee, emergency personnel, Griffin Hospital Center for Cancer Care staff and all who worked hard to plan the luncheon and opening ceremony, and sponsored events to make the Relay for Life a success.

I'm sure I speak for all survivors when I say thank you for everything. 

Cancer survivors take part in the first lap.

My friend Marilyn brought a lovely parasol to keep the sun off of her while she walked.

Here are two of my favorite people/caregivers participating in the caregivers' lap.

This was just one of the many inspirational signs along the way.

I applaud those hearty souls who stayed there at the field overnight. I'm sure that's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Friends, supporters to gather at Shelton Riverwalk today

My husband Ralph and I will be heading to the Shelton Riverwalk in a little while to be part of the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life.

Looking forward to seeing the ladies who are part of Griffin Hospital's Circle of Friends breast cancer support group.

I'm all ready to don my official Circle of Friends T-shirt!

Griffin Hospital to sponsor Relay for Life in Shelton

From right: American Cancer Society Partner Ahmed Elbordiny, Griffin Hospital Communications Specialist Christian Meagher, Relay For Life Survivorship Committee Member Shauna Blaze, and Relay For Life Chairs Jay Carlucci and Kristen Ostrowski are working together as part of the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital’s sponsorship of The Relay For Life of Shelton and Naugatuck Valley set for June 7-8 in Shelton.

DERBY - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is proud to be a sponsor of the 2014 Relay For Life of Shelton and Naugatuck Valley set for June 7-8 at the Riverwalk in Shelton.

Relay For Life is an overnight walk-a-thon that raises funds for the American Cancer Society’s cancer education and research.

The Center for Cancer Care will sponsor the event’s survivor recognition activities, including its survivor reception and Hope Tent, by providing food, refreshments and free massages for cancer survivors.

To join or support the Relay For Life of Shelton and Naugatuck Valley visit relayforlife.org/sheltonct.


This a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Shelton Relay for Life hits home

Survivors walk a first lap Saturday at American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

I attended the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at the Shelton Riverwalk Saturday, but not to write a story about the event.
Instead, as a newly-minted breast cancer survivor, I had been invited to a survivors' reception for the second year in a row.

My husband and I had enjoyed ourselves last year, and knew we wanted to return this year. When we got there we bumped into some friends and neighbors, which made up for getting drenched as we made our way from our mini-van to the reception inside the Farmer's Market.

After lunch the pouring rain miraculously stopped and the sun peeked out from behind some glorious, fluffy clouds just in time for the opening ceremony.

The survivors' first lap around the track at the Shelton Riverwalk was led by a color guard from Echo Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. 1 from Shelton. 

 

American flag flies from Echo Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. 1 truck high above the event. 

I commend all those folks who organized the Relay for Life, formed teams and walked many laps yesterday and into this morning to raise funds and awareness for a worthy cause.

Photos by Patricia Villers