Local doctor offers free cancer screenings

According to the American Cancer Society, about 500,000 people lost their lives to cancer and more than 1.4 million new cases were found across the U.S. in 2009. In Indiana alone, the death toll was more than 12,000, with 30,000 new cases.

“Every single person will be in some way affected by cancer,” Dr. Demetrius Patton said.
Recently, Patton, an IU graduate, partnered with Dr. James Topolgus after a dinner conversation and opened an office in January.

“He called me up and asked me to have dinner with him and his family,” Patton said. “By the end of the night, he said, ‘I like you. Would you like to be my partner?’ That’s literally what happened.”

In order to promote cancer awareness, Patton and the Monroe County Hospital will be offering free cancer screenings from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday free of charge. The primary focus of the screenings will be breast, prostate and skin cancer, which are some of the most common cancer sites found in patients, Patton said.

Patton said it has been his dream to open a premier cancer center in Bloomington ever since he started practicing eight years ago. 

“This is home for me,” Patton said. “I want to do everything I can to make Bloomington a hub for cancer in the state of Indiana.”