SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – What started as an annual prostate cancer screening for men has morphed into an all-encompassing men’s health event.

The free screenings and health fair of sorts will be Wednesday, September 30th, at CAP 1908, 1100 S. Grand Ave. E, starting at 5 p.m.

“Our biggest message is don’t wait until something feels wrong to pay attention to your health,” said Tia Rapps, Community Cancer Education Coordinator, Springfield Memorial Hospital, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.  “We’re going to be having multiple screenings:  including the prostate cancer PSA screening, which is a blood test only.  We’re going to be having many community resources to do blood pressure, glucose testing, HIV, Hepatitis C…we’re going to have people there offering colorectal cancer screenings….”

Rapps says radon and lung cancer screenings will also be available, as will information on men’s mental health.

As for prostate cancer itself, Rapps says it can be prevented easily, if it’s caught early.

“We know that one in eight men will be diagnosed with their lifetime, and that increases to one in six men if you’re black or African-American.  It’s one of the most common cancers in men,” said Rapps. “We’ve definitely made some strides at early detection and better treatment. The good thing is we’re surviving a lot longer once we’re diagnosed.”

The screening event at CAP 1908 is free.