Resorts World Hudson Valley (RWHV) partnered with Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall (MSLC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) on Monday, September 9^th to host free breast and prostate cancer screenings for community members in recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September and the upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

The breast cancer screenings were performed by family medicine physician Dr. Nicole Agcanas of the Medical Group at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall and the prostate cancer screenings by urologist Dr. Jaspreet Singh. Support also came from the Newburgh Mall, which allowed the entities to use space outside of RWHV and provided folding chairs for the event.

According to the ACS, nearly two-thirds of men between the ages of 55 and 69 are not being screened for prostate cancer. The ACS recommends that men at average risk begin conversations with their healthcare providers about prostate cancer screenings at age 50, while men at higher risk, including African American individuals and those with a family history of prostate cancer, should talk to a doctor at age 45. This year, an estimated 20,630 men in New York will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 1,630 will die from the disease.

For breast cancer, the ACS advises that women at average risk start screenings by age 45, though they may choose to start earlier, at age 40. Regular screenings are key to early detection and more effective treatment. This year in New York, 19,160 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 2,080 women will die from the disease.