On Saturday, hundreds of men took advantage of free screenings and services at Moffitt Cancer Center’s annual Men’s Health Forum.
- Hundreds of men receive free screenings at health forum
- Man were uninsured or didn't have access to health services
- Exams included blood pressure checks, skin cancer screenings
Men 18 and older who are uninsured, underinsured, or who don’t have a primary physician had access to services like blood pressure checks, skin cancer screenings and even mental health examinations.
“I come and check everything…skin cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, they even check your BMI," event attendee Rafael Trinidad said.
The men were also educated on prostate cancer risks, and many received vouchers to get free testing.
Barney Morris was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 and has spent the past several years coming to the forum for screenings and to spread awareness.
"I had absolutely no symptoms, none,” Morris said. “But because I had the screening, I'm here today.
Moffitt representatives said at the 2017 forum, nearly 400 men completed 2,200-plus exams that are critical to health and longevity.
- Out of 395 men examined, 60 percent were uninsured or underinsured.
- Out of 304 men tested, 46 percent had pre-hypertension and another 28 percent had high blood pressure.
- Eighty-two men were educated on the importance of prostate testing and received vouchers for free prostate testing at Moffitt Cancer Center.
- Out of 214 men receiving skin cancer exams, 24 percent had suspicious skin findings and needed further follow-up by a physician.
- Out of 295 men tested, 15 percent were identified as at-risk for diabetes.
"We're trying to talk to men about the importance of being here, getting those screenings so if they have something going on, we can detect it and get it taken care of as early as possible," said Dr. Lee Green, executive VP of diversity at Moffitt Cancer Center.
This year’s forum featured 50 exhibitors and an appearance by Tampa Bay Buccaneers alum and Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson.