Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. recently released the schedule for no-cost prostate screenings throughout Long Island and reminds all men over the age of 40 that the American Cancer Society recommends they receive an annual examination.

"While risk factors are important for determining susceptibility to prostate cancer, all men are at risk," said Fuschillo who is a member of the Senate Health Committee.

The prostate is a male sex gland about the size of a chestnut and surrounds the urethra which empties urine from the bladder. Symptoms of prostate cancer include: weak or interrupted urine flow; inability to urinate or difficulty in starting or stopping urination; blood in urine; painful or burning urination; and continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs.

Cancer is the name used to describe a number of diseases which are caused by the abnormal growth of cells. Prostate cancer grows and spreads at different rates. Some people's tumors grow quickly while others experience growth so slow that symptoms are not produced in a lifetime.

In cases where prostate cancer is detected early, nine out of 10 men survive at least five years. For men over the age of 40, a quick, painless digital examination of the rectum allows a doctor to determine if there is an enlarging, thickening or other irregularity of the prostate that may signal cancer. A doctor may suggest a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test for men over 50. This blood test measures normal protein levels which may suggest that cancer is present.

"While doctors and research do their best to detect cancer early, males over 40 should do their part and get an annual examination," said Fuschillo. "If you have loved ones at risk, please share this information with them. When it comes to prostate cancer, an ounce of prevention could add years to your life or those of your family member and friends."

The prostate screening schedule is as follows:

StonyBrook University Hospital, Sept. 18-22, 6 to 8 p.m. Call 1-800-862-2215 for an appointment.

South Nassau Community Hospital, Sept. 27. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call 763-3980 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for an appointment.

Winthrop University Hospital, Sept. 18 to 25 and 27, 3 to 7 p.m. Call 663-0333 for appointment.

Cancer Care of Long Island, Sept. 24. Call 364-8130 for more information.

Nassau County Medical Center, year-round. Call 572-5381 for an appointment.

Mercy Medical Center. Call 705-1021 for dates.

Brunswick Hospital. Call (631) 789-7417 for dates and more information.