Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit Available for NYCHA Residents

NYCHA residents from Harlem, the Upper East Side, and Queens can now check their prostate health at the Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit. The mobile van – which is the result of collaboration between NYCHA, the “One Hundred Black Men” non-profit, and Mount Sinai’s Department of Urology – was launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 4 at Wagner Houses in East Harlem. Several local organizations, leaders, and celebrities (including Steve Harvey, Chris Tucker, and Cedric the Entertainer) attended the event, stressing the importance of regular checkups for prostate health. Eighteen NYCHA residents visited the van on launch day to get screened by Mount Sinai specialists.

Early detection saves lives – catching prostate cancer early is the best way to stay healthy. Black men have a 70 percent increased chance of developing high-risk prostate cancer, and they are also more than twice as likely to die of it. All men above age 55 and all Black men above age 45 should consider screening for prostate cancer.

The screening unit, which features state-of-the-art diagnostic teams, tools, and educational materials, has already checked dozens of residents in various Harlem locations since its launch. It aims to lower prostate cancer deaths by 25 percent within its service area.

Residents can make an appointment by calling 646-531-8092 or can simply visit the mobile screening unit without an appointment.

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Photos courtesy of Mount Sinai Health System