PSA Blood Screenings at Husker Harvest Days: A Few Minutes Could Save Your Life
Every September, thousands of farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals, and families gather at Husker Harvest Days to see the latest equipment and innovations in agriculture. While many come to explore the newest technology in the field, there’s another stop that’s just as important, one focused on protecting the health of Nebraska’s farming community.
As part of this year’s event, the Nebraska Prostate Cancer Alliance (NPCA) andNebraska Cancer Specialists (NCS) will collaborate together for the fourth year in a row to provide free PSA blood screenings for men. The screening takes just a few minutes, but it has the potential to detect prostate cancer before symptoms ever develop.
Following the event, each man who does a screening receives his PSA test results via mail or a patient portal, and those with elevated levels are encouraged to follow up with their primary care provider or a urologist for additional evaluation.
While an elevated PSA does not necessarily indicate prostate cancer, it is an important screening tool that can identify men who may benefit from further testing and, if needed, early treatment.
“By bringing preventive screenings to one of Nebraska’s largest agricultural events, we are making it easier for men to take an important step toward protecting their health without taking time away from their work or the farm, said Kelly Horn, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach at Nebraska Cancer Specialists. “The more men we can screen, the more lives we can save, which leads to more time families have together.”
Why PSA Screening Matters
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, and in its earliest stages, it often causes no symptoms. That’s why routine PSA screening can be so important. A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA in the bloodstream. While an elevated PSA does not necessarily mean a man has prostate cancer, it can indicate that additional evaluation is needed. Detecting potential concerns early often leads to more treatment options and better outcomes.
Meeting Men Where They Are
Farmers are known for putting everyone else first. Between planting, harvest, livestock, and the day-to-day demands of running an operation, routine medical appointments are often postponed.
That’s exactly why the PSA screening program at Husker Harvest Days has become such an important resource. By offering free screenings within the event’s Preventive Health Screening Area, NPCA and NCS remove many of the barriers that keep men from getting screened. Attendees can simply stop by during their visit, have a quick blood draw, and continue enjoying the show, knowing they’ve taken an important step for their health.
The Program Continues to Grow
In just the past three years, 881 Nebraska men have received a free PSA blood screening through the program, and 52 men were encouraged to seek additional medical evaluation because of elevated PSA levels. While the screening itself does not diagnose prostate cancer, it serves as a critical first step in identifying potential concerns when treatment is often most effective. With participation growing each year, NPCA and NCS hope to screen even more Nebraska men at this September’s Husker Harvest Days, continuing their shared mission of bringing lifesaving preventive care directly to the communities they serve.
Who Should Consider a PSA Screening?
Talk with your healthcare provider about PSA testing if you:
- Are age 50 or older.
- Are age 45 and have a father, brother, or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- Are African American, as you may have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Have other personal risk factors discussed with your healthcare provider.
Because prostate cancer often develops without symptoms, talking with your doctor about whether PSA screening is right for you is one of the most important steps you can take for your health.
Join Us This September
Whether you’re attending Husker Harvest Days to see the latest combines, learn about new agricultural technology, or connect with neighbors, be sure to make one stop that’s all about you. Visit the Preventive Health Screening Area for a free PSA blood screening provided by the Nebraska Prostate Cancer Alliance and Nebraska Cancer Specialists. Encourage your friends, family members, and fellow farmers to do the same.
You spend your life taking care of your land, your livestock, and your family. This September, take a few minutes to take care of yourself. It could be one of the most important investments you’ll ever make.