COMING
ETMC launches 9th annual free prostate

cancer screening

ETMC's ninth annual free prostate cancer screening for men is being held this month.

The procedure consists of a simple blood test and appointments are required by calling (800) 850-7050 Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Last year, ETMC screened more than 1,600 men and 137 tests came back with abnormalities. These men were referred to their doctors for further evaluation.

During the past eight years, ETMC has screened more than 25,000 men during its annual June prostate cancer screening.

"When prostate cancer is in its earliest, most curable stage, there may be no symptoms to warn you," according to James Kolker, MD, radiation oncologist, and medical director of the ETMC Cancer Institute. "Prostate cancer is highly curable when detected early."

Tests are recommended annually for the following men:

+ 50 or older

+ 40 or older and African- American.

+ 40 or older with a family history of prostate cancer.

+ 40 or older with previous prostate-related problems or diagnosis and not under medical care in the last year

Proceeds from ETMC's Henry M. Bell, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament help underwrite the prostate cancer screenings. The 6th annual charity tournament is set for Friday, Sept. 21 at Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler.

Veterans appreciation

party planned June 29

A special salute to all veterans is planned for 7-10 p.m. June 29, on the eve of Rusk's massive July 4th ceremony and parade.

The party will be held at Toyland Combat Vehicles Museum near Rusk. The event will include a hangar dance with all the trimmings. The event will be free to all veterans and their spouses.

To make this the largest "thank you" party that the Vets have ever seen, planners are asking the public to contribute food, water, soft drinks, chairs, tables, balloons and other party items.

To get to the Toyland Combat Vehicles Museum go south on U.S. Highway 69 five miles, turn right onto FM 241, go one mile and turn left on CR 2407. The museum is one mile on the right. Veterans of all wars are invited. This includes World War II, Cold War, Korean, Vietnam and Afghanistan and Iraq. Uniforms are suggested but not required. Some may also want to wear 40s attire. For more information, call Roy Reynolds, event organizer (903) 683-1947.