A new partnership between the Montefiore Einstein Department of Urology and the nonprofit American-Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF) is expanding access to prostate cancer screening in Bronx neighborhoods with ongoing monthly community events.

Prostate cancer awareness, screening and preventive care are especially important in the diverse communities Montefiore Einstein serves, as Black men face a higher risk of the disease and are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages. Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early, and access to screenings can significantly influence available treatment options and long-term outcomes.

“Many men in our community do not regularly engage in routine healthcare due to limited access, scheduling challenges, lack of a primary care provider or historical mistrust of the healthcare system,” said Crystal Santos, Administrative Manager, Urology, Montefiore Einstein, who helps to facilitate partnerships and plan screening events.

In this partnership, AICF leads community outreach and engagement, while Montefiore Einstein provides clinical screening, evaluation and follow-up care. The New York City nonprofit was founded in 1980 to increase international collaboration in the fight against cancer and enrich the scientific community by funding post-doctoral research fellowships for promising young Italian scientists to train with mentors at major U.S. cancer centers.

Since the partnership launch last fall, the program has screened over 100 men through monthly community events across the Bronx. Ten have already been referred for follow-up care. The screenings are free to men aged 40 and older, require no insurance and involve only a simple blood test with no physical exam needed, a common misconception that often deters men from getting screened.

“Bringing screening directly into the community, with the support of trusted partners like AICF, helps address these barriers, encourages early detection and supports more equitable health outcomes,” Santos said.

Feedback from event participants has been overwhelmingly positive with an appreciation for an approachable, respectful and straightforward experience. Many have said they would not have pursued screening if the service had not been convenient and free. They also said they feel more informed and well-supported by clear communication around test results and follow-up care.

Over time, both organizations hope to establish a trusted and timely pathway to follow-up care and ongoing health management.

“Beyond the numbers, the impact includes increased awareness, reduced barriers to care and earlier engagement with appropriate treatment,” Santos said. “These benefits reach beyond the individuals who are screened, to their families, friends and the broader communities we serve.”

Screening information and events are available on Montefiore Einstein Urology’s event page, Follow the department on Instagram and X @montefioreuro for more information.