As part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, Sept. 15 - 21, Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. announced recently that free prostate cancer screenings will be available at various locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer among American men. In 1999, approximately 180,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer. However, the survival rate is extremely high with early detection.

Free prostate screenings will be available at the following hospitals:

Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow

Screenings available all year. For information and appointment call 572-5381.

North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System

Free prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men ages 50 to 75 who have not had cancer previously and have not had a PSA test in the past year, or men 40 and older who are at high risk for prostate cancer due to family history or African-American descent.

Appointments are required (limited number of appointments available per site). For appointment information call the site you prefer between 10 a.m. and noon.

North Shore University Hospital at Plainview

Sept. 15, 9 a.m. - noon. Appointment. Phone number: (516) 719-2599

North Shore University Hospital/Manhasset

Sept. 17, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Appointment. Phone number: (516) 465-2505

Long Island Jewish Medical Center

Sept. 18, 4 - 8 p.m. Appointment. Phone number: (718) 470-7918

Franklin Hospital Medical Center

Sept. 18, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Appointment. Phone number: (516) 256-6397

Huntington Hospital

Sept. 18, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Appointment. Phone number: (631) 351-7040.