Today, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer urged men across Virginia to talk to their health care providers about their individual risk for prostate cancer and the appropriate medical course of action for those who are diagnosed with the disease. The groups also applauded Governor Ralph Northam for recognizing September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Virginia.
“Men across Virginia need to consult with their doctors about the threat of prostate cancer, especially those who are at greater risk for a disease that is estimated to take the lives of nearly 30,000 men nationwide in 2018,” said ZERO CEO Jamie Bearse. “Prostate cancer can normally be treated in cases where it is identified early, making education critical in the fight to improve the quality of life of those who are eventually diagnosed with the disease.”
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men – and the leading cause of cancer-related death for men in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At some point in their life, one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. African-American and Caribbean men of African ancestry are even more likely to develop the disease, and are twice as likely to die as a result.
“Virginians need all the facts when it comes to prostate cancer, and the only way a patient can know what makes sense for them based on their unique risks and what medical options are available is to talk with their doctor,” said ACS CAN Virginia Government Relations Director Brian Donohue. “We are glad to see Virginia join other states across the nation in declaring September Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to help raise the profile of this deadly disease and ensure men are making informed decisions to protect their health.”
“Raising awareness of prostate cancer, understanding the increased risk for developing it, and informing individuals of recent medical advances that may extend the time a patient lives are important to improve patient outcomes,” said Governor Northam in the proclamation. “[A]dditional focus is needed on the personal and social burdens of prostate cancer, to anticipate the needs and provide support to the patient, his family and other caregivers.”
The decision whether – and when – to receive screening and treatment for prostate cancer is a personal decision that should be made after considering age, family history, race, and other individual factors and discussing them with a doctor. While some cases may not pose a serious health risk, more aggressive cases of prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body and prove fatal.
About the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.
About ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer
ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer. ZERO advances research, improves the lives of men and families, and inspires action. We’re building Generation ZERO, the first generation of men free from prostate cancer, through our national run/walk series, education and patient support programs, and grassroots advocacy. ZERO is a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization recognized with four out of four stars by Charity Navigator, accredited by the Better Business Bureau, with regional chapters across the country. We dedicate 85 cents of every dollar to research and programs. For more information, visit www.zerocancer.org.