Prostate cancer, when detected early, has a remarkable five-year survival rate of over 99%, making early screening essential for men’s health. However, for those who are uninsured, accessing these vital screenings can be a challenge. That’s where Shore Medical Center steps in, leading the charge in Atlantic County through the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (NJ CEED), part of the NJ Department of Health, to provide free prostate cancer screenings and care to uninsured and underinsured men.
As the lead agency for NJ CEED in Atlantic County, Shore Medical Center is dedicated to ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent men from accessing the life-saving care they need. Through this program, Shore coordinates outreach, education, and screening services for a range of cancers, including prostate cancer, focusing on the most vulnerable populations in the community.
A standout initiative launched under this program last year is the traveling prostate cancer screening service, which has screened 69 men between March 2023 and summer 2024. This effort, conducted in partnership with Southern Jersey Family Medical Center (SJFMC), Shore Physicians Group, and Shore’s Phlebotomy/Pathology teams, brings screenings directly to underserved areas, ensuring that at-risk men who might otherwise go without care have the opportunity to detect potential health issues early.
Dr. Todd Lehrfeld of Jersey Urology Group and Shore Physicians Group, the primary urologist conducting these screenings, underscores the importance of the program. “In my practice, I often see the devastating consequences of men delaying care due to financial barriers,” Dr. Lehrfeld said. “Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and when caught early, the chances of successful treatment are significantly higher. Being part of the CEED Program has allowed us to offer hope and care to those who might otherwise go without.”
Dr. Lehrfeld has witnessed the impact of these screenings firsthand. “Many of the men we screen have never had a prostate exam before. By providing these screenings, we’ve caught potential issues early, allowing for timely treatment and better outcomes. Beyond the physical benefits, there’s also emotional relief for these men, knowing they are being cared for.”
Those who qualify for NJ CEED can access help at any time by calling 609-653-3484. As Prostate Cancer Awareness Month continues, Shore Medical Center reaffirms its commitment to early detection and ensuring that every man in Atlantic County has access to the care they need, regardless of their financial situation.
