Bicycles And Beer Promote Free Prostate Cancer Screening
By Kathy Walsh
DENVER (CBS4) - Some call beer a universal language. This week in Denver, there's a campaign to entice men with craft beer, then convince them to get a health screening for prostate cancer.
The Beerliner, a big, beer-serving RV, is parked at 14th and Stout in downtown Denver.
It's here to spread the passion for Texas craft beer. But besides celebrating the joy of suds, the beer folks are hoping to tap into a reluctant population.
"Men are extremely reluctant when it comes to their health. They don't talk about it. They don't discuss it. They will almost hide from it, I think," said Texas brewpub owner Davis Tucker.
So Tucker started the 1400 Miles journey, a bicycle trek, from Austin to Denver. The bikes and beer brigade stops along the way to educate men about prostate cancer.
"We have some guys who are prostate cancer survivors that come out and talk. And that's really wonderful because you get first-hand knowledge from guys who have been through it," said Tucker.
His brew crew hits the Mile High City in time for the wildly popular Great American Beer Festival. For $10, they'll pour you beer. At the same time, they'll prod men to get a free blood draw to find their prostate specific antigen or PSA.
"PSA is controversial. There has been information that it's not always accurate and that's true, but the best thing is it's an indicator. If that number starts to go up, you definitely need to be paying attention to it," said Tucker.
The lab results come in the mail in two weeks. Men are encouraged to take them to their primary care physician. This year, Tucker wants to reach 1,400 men. He's hoping the lure of hops will get them thinking about their health.
The free blood test for men will be available at 14th and Stout, Thursday, Oct. 6, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.
