The week of September 19 through 25 marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. The Prostate Conditions Education Council initiated the awareness week in 1989. Since then, the amount of research dollars earmarked for prostate cancer has tripled.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Week is a program designed to assist local communities with screening information guidelines, questionnaires, and publicity lab work. During this time, local sites offer prostate cancer screenings to men over age 40 for free or at a low cost. Screenings should take about 10 minutes.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and the most common. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 217,730 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2010. They estimate 32,050 deaths will occur during 2010.
The disease is slow-progressing. In most cases where it is detected early, it is not fatal. Men age 50 and older are encouraged to speak with their physician about their risk of developing the disease. You can visit the PCAW website to find a screening site near you.
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Other organizations promoting prostate cancer awareness:
> Johns Hopkins is honoring Prostate Cancer Awareness Week by lighting their dome blue.
> Pints for Prostates is using beer to reach men with an important health message.
> Wear BLUE supports events in the workplace or community.