AN UPHILL BATTLE TO BETTER PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS
Released on: October 20, 2008, 8:04 am
Press Release Author: Prostate Cancer Education Council
Industry: Healthcare
Press Release Summary: Thousands Lend Support to National Effort
Press Release Body: SAN FRANCISCO - This year, more than 5,000 runners from all over the globe will trek San Francisco's infamous hills and cross the Golden Gate Bridge in order to join a national effort in the fight against prostate cancer. On Sunday, November 2 at 7:00 a.m., participants of this year's U.S. Half Marathon will have the opportunity to help support the mission of the Prostate Cancer Education Council (PCEC) by raising awareness of prostate cancer. This event, which will start on the waterfront in Aquatic Park on historic Muni Pier, is part of the PCEC's national PACE Race Series, which helps to educate men and their families on the importance of early detection.
"Prostate cancer is a serious disease that continues to take the lives of men across the country, despite being highly treatable when caught early. At this time, annual prostate cancer screenings are the only way to detect prostate cancer in these early stages," said Ryan Dawkins, President of Project Sport LLC. "We are proud to help the Prostate Cancer Education Council spread this vital message to our runners and their families,"
The U.S. Half Marathon provides an opportunity for the whole family - including runners and walkers at all fitness levels - to join in the fight against prostate cancer with a half marathon, women's 10K race and a Kid's MaraFun race for ages 4-9 benefitting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The winner of the PACE Masters component of the U.S. Half Marathon (for runners over 40-years-old) will receive a $1,250 prize purse, sponsored by the PACE Race. Additionally, as part of their efforts to raise greater prostate cancer awareness in San Francisco, the PCEC will provide gift bags for race participants and host a race-day prostate cancer education booth where people can talk to a doctor and pick up informational materials. Following the race, participants can enjoy a music festival on the San Francisco Bay, featuring live music, refreshments, and a free massage amongst sweeping views of the Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge in Aquatic Park below Ghirardelli Square.
"Raising awareness about prostate cancer is extremely important to us, as the disease currently affects more than 2 million American men," said Wendy Poage, President, Prostate Cancer Education Council. "With races throughout the country, we have a real opportunity to touch men in all walks of life and educate them, and their families, about this devastating disease."
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancers, in American men. With a one in six lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer, estimates for 2008 indicate that more than 186,000 men will be diagnosed in the United States and nearly 28,700 will die from the disease. The second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer, prostate cancer is often treatable if detected early.
U.S. marathon legend Bill Rodgers, the national spokesperson for the PACE Race Series and a prostate cancer survivor, cannot stress the importance of screenings enough. "It is my hope that all men at risk for prostate cancer are screened for this deadly disease. It's the best way to detect prostate cancer in its early stages because there are no early warning signs or symptoms," he said. "Even though I began running again only four months after my tumor was removed, I continue to receive regular screenings and advise other men to do the same."
The PACE Race Series - sponsored by sanofi-aventis to benefit the PCEC - was launched in 2002 to increase national awareness of prostate cancer. To learn more about prostate cancer, the PACE Race Series or PCEC, please visit www.prostateconditions.org.
About the PACE Race Series Men, women, families, friends and neighbors - at all fitness levels - are invited to participate in the PACE Race Series. This 5K run/walk series was launched in 2002 by the PCEC to increase awareness of prostate cancer and to educate men and their families on the importance of early detection. With events across the country, the PACE Race Series has the ability to touch men and women of all walks of life. For more information please visit www.pacerace.org.
About the Prostate Cancer Education Council A national organization committed to men's health, the Prostate Cancer Education Council (PCEC) is dedicated to saving lives through awareness and the education of men, the women in their lives, as well as the medical community about prostate cancer prevalence, the importance of early detection, and available treatment options, as well as other men's health issues. The Council - comprised of a consortium of leading physicians, health educators, scientists and prostate cancer advocates - aims to conduct nation wide screenings for men and perform research that will aid in the detection and treatment of prostate cancer. More information is available at www.prostateconditions.org.
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Web Site: http://www.prostateconditions.org
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