Straight Talk About Prostate Cancer (NAPSA)—The survival rate for prostate cancer has increased to more than 90 percent. Yet, it is still the second leading cause of cancer death in American men and is expected to claim 30,000 lives in 2002. In addition, at least 184,000 new cases of the disease will be diagnosed this year alone. Doctors say the best way to beat prostate canceris by detecting it at its earliest—and most treatable— stage. Although screening guidelines may vary, most physicians agree men over age 50, or men over age 40 whoare African American or have a family history of the disease should be screened for prostate cancer annually. That’s one reason groups such as the Prostate Cancer Education Council (PCEC) work to educate the public on the importance of being tested for the disease. PCEC annually sponsors Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, which will be observed this year from September 15 to 22. The group recently teamed up with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and TAP Pharmaceuticals Inc. to sponsor a campaign called, “Straight Talk About Prostate Cancer.” The initiative features Giuliani, a prostate cancer survivor, encouraging men to take charge of their health by getting screened. “Detecting the disease early gives doctors a wider variety of treatment options and—perhaps more importantly—lets the cancer be treated before it spreads to other parts of the body,” says E*| Doctors say early detection through annual screenings is the best way for men to beat prostate cancer. Dr. David Crawford, chairman of the PCEC. In addition to public events and campaigns, PCEC uses its Website to help get its message across. Visitors to peaw.com can find screening centers in their area that will test them for little or no cost. The site also has up-todate information on prostate cancer, treatment methods and list of PCEC events. “Men should makeit a priority to get screened,” says Dr. Crawford. “With more awareness and early detection and treatment, there’s no reason we can’t hope to achieve survival rates of 100 percent.” Founded in 1988, the PCEC is a consortium of physicians, health educators, scientists, and patient advocates dedicated to increasing prostate cancer awareness and knowledge. Find out more about the PCEC and Prostate Cancer Awareness Week by visiting www.pcaw.com or calling 1-8664prost8.
