In 2009, a Camden truck driver named Jimmy Love heard an advertisement for free prostate cancer exam screenings in Butler County.

In spite of having no symptoms, he took advantage of the opportunity – and discovered he did have prostate cancer.

“If I hadn’t went, who knows what would have happened. I just thank the Lord I found out,” Love, who had cancer surgery in November 2009, said.

On Saturday, May 22, the Urology Health Foundation will again team with the Butler County Health Department to provide free prostate cancer screenings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the health department’s 350 Airport Road location.

“Mr. Love is doing and feeling really well and he is definitely one of our success stories,” said Sherry Wilson of the UHF.

“We’re excited to be able to come back to the Greenville area to once again provide what could be life-saving screenings for citizens.”

Doctors and staff from Urology Centers of Alabama of Birmingham will join Ziba Anderson’s staff in providing rectal exams and blood tests on Saturday.

In last year’s screening in Butler County, an unusually high percentage of the 56 men screened – 21 percent – showed abnormalities. The Black Belt average is 13 percent and the national average is 10 percent. Statistics show prostate cancer is more prevalent in African-American men and often more deadly.

“That’s why it is so important that men starting at age 40 get these screenings. It really can be a life-saver,” said Wilson.

For additional information on the screenings, call 334-382-3154.