Man Up with New Orleans Saints Hall-of-Famer Rickey Jackson & GEAUX GET SCREENED!

For Rickey Jackson, legendary New Orleans Saint and NFL Hall of Famer, being a man is about more than just dominating the football field—it’s about staying healthy to care for the ones he loves.

That’s why Jackson and several other Saints icons are once again joining forces with Tulane Urology and East Jefferson General Hospital to promote prostate cancer awareness and offer free PSA screenings to eligible men.

The 2024 Man Up! - Geaux Get Screened event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 AM to noon in the conference center on the first floor of East Jefferson General Hospital, located at 4200 Houma Blvd, Metairie.

In addition to receiving a free PSA test—a simple blood draw that can help assess prostate cancer risk—attendees will hear Jackson’s personal story about his own battle with prostate cancer and his road to recovery. Fans can also snap photos with Jackson, former Saints Quarterback Bobby Hebert, and other NFL stars.

“We’re kicking off the NFL season with an event that really matters,” Jackson said. “My former teammates know what I went through with my cancer diagnosis, and they’re eager to help raise awareness and encourage men to take advantage of this potentially life-saving screening.”

The event will feature games, prizes, and health insights from Tulane’s experts. Plus, everyone who gets screened will be entered to win memorabilia signed by Jackson and other Saints legends.

“We’re excited to offer this quick and crucial PSA screening for prostate cancer,” says Tulane Cancer Center Member Dr. Raju Thomas, chair of Tulane’s Department of Urology. “This screening is a key step in detecting not just cancer, but also conditions like an enlarged prostate.”

The American Cancer Society reports that about one in eight men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Early detection is crucial—when caught early, the 5-year survival rate is 99 percent. The American Cancer Society recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their health care provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The decision should be made after getting information about the possible benefits, risks, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening. The discussion about screening should take place at:

• Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years

• Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).

• Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age)

“I want to spread the word about this silent killer,” Jackson said. “My uncle passed away from prostate cancer, so I know firsthand how serious it is. I felt perfectly healthy when I was diagnosed, but I didn’t wait—I got aggressive with treatment, and now I’m cancer-free!”

Families and men of all ages are welcome at the event, but screening spots are limited to the first 100 eligible men. If you’d like to attend, you can register here.