San Francisco, CA (UroToday.com) — The End of Prostate Cancer is encouraging all men to learn their risks of prostate cancer during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (PCAM), which began on September 1. One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. men, and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among men.
During September, men and their families can learn about the lifesaving benefits of early detection at one of ZERO’s 24 run/walks nationwide. The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk series is the largest men’s health event nationwide with more than 20,000 attendees annually. The family-friendly events offer a 5K, one-mile walk, and a Kids Superhero Dash. At select races, country music star Jimmy Charles will perform his new song “We Are Warriors” during a touching ceremony to honor prostate cancer survivors and caregivers.
“Too many men don’t know the importance of prostate cancer screening. Finding prostate cancer when it is still at an early stage offers the best hope. We encourage all men to talk with their doctor and understand their risk for prostate cancer,” said ZERO CEO Jamie Bearse. “We’re thrilled to hit the road this month and get men and families engaged in our shared fight to end prostate cancer.”
Robin Cole, a former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004. Cole echoes Bearse’s message, saying, “The power of early detection is vital.” Cole adds that, despite being the most prevalently diagnosed cancer among males, most men are unaware of their risk. “Some guys … are being diagnosed with prostate cancer, or are walking around with prostate cancer and have no idea what a prostate is … we need to inform them about this silent killer.”
Members of the ZERO Community will share their personal stories and experiences during the first-ever ZERO Cancer Day on Tuesday, September 24. ZERO Cancer Day is a one-day-only special event in which the prostate cancer community will come together on social media to amplify the urgency and necessity of ending prostate cancer. ZERO’s social media channels will feature live-streamed interviews with patients, survivors, caregivers, and doctors, plus interactive segments and fundraising contests, and hot-off-the-press announcements.
Also during PCAM, ZERO advocates from around the country are leading conversations in their communities by hosting volunteer awareness tables. As of press time, more than 30 volunteer awareness tables at local events were confirmed, spanning the country from California to New Hampshire.
All donations up to $50,000 made to ZERO during the month of September will be doubled by a match, which will help 1,500 men receive free testing for prostate cancer.
For more than two decades, PCAM has served as an annual reminder of hope, remembrance, and progress every September.
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