A free men’s health screening event next Saturday will provide Madison-area men with vital health information—and a free lunch.
The second annual Fighting Disparities Free Men’s Health Screening and Prostate Cancer Expo will take place Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Urban League of Greater Madison, 2222 S. Park Street. The event will feature a seven-point blood screening, educational sessions, music, and lunch catered by El Pastor.
“We will be, number one, bringing awareness to prostate cancer… but we’ll be giving seven point checks,” said organizer Gary Davis. “Not only will it spot for cancer, but diabetes and any other health things that people could go through.”
The screening includes a simple blood draw and tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, cholesterol, glucose, and more. Davis, a local music promoter and prostate cancer survivor, says he hopes to reach men who might otherwise put off seeing a doctor.
“I always tell my Black brothers, we need to stop being scared to see the doctor like we are the police,” he said. “So many of us wait until the car breaks down, rather than to get the regular maintenance. And all the regular maintenance starts with the doctor.”
Davis lost his father to prostate cancer and was diagnosed himself about five years ago—an experience he said opened his eyes to inequities in the health care system.
He said his primary doctor at the time didn’t order a biopsy, despite the family history and elevated PSA. By the time pain prompted an urgent care visit, the PSA was even higher and a biopsy confirmed “aggressive” cancer.
The event Saturday is meant to provide not just testing but also education, empowerment, and comfort. “This event is family friendly, because cancer affects the whole family,” Davis said. “We fly in Black phlebotomists… We want people to feel comfortable.”
Davis emphasized that the event is open to all, but especially encourages men over 40, men of color, veterans, and first responders to attend.
“Just because you don’t fall into those categories does not mean that you’re not welcome. I believe in including rather than excluding,” he said.
Davis is working to combat health disparities by sharing his story and helping others advocate for themselves. “We want to teach [people]… how to advocate for yourself… because a closed mouth doesn’t get fed,” he said.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. Those who participate in the screening will be entered into a raffle for gift cards and other prizes.
“The greatest means of prevention is early detection,” Davis said.
