Prostate Cancer

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER: FIGHTING CANCER IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY


SAN FRANCISCO - September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the Bayview Hunters Point Health and Environmental Resource Center (HERC) Prostate Health Project is reaching out to African Americans with an event designed to combat prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

The event, "My Brother’s Keeper, A Take-Charge-of-Your-Life Event on Fighting Cancer in the Black Community," will be held at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco on Saturday, September 14th, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The event is sponsored by UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society, and HERC.

Armed with information and resources, HERC strongly believes promoting prostate health among African American men, in which the disease is prevalent, is the main focus of this event that appeals to men taking charge of their health and lives. "Prostate Cancer is a very sensitive issue, and very few men are willing to seek out information on their own," says Terrence Baxter, Program Coordinator for HERC. He adds, "Providing men with facts about the disease and risk is at this event’s core."

"Involving the family of men at risk is also part of this event’s goals," says Baxter. Collected data shows that men believe that their risk for Prostate Cancer only increases as they reach the age of 65. Most men do not seek information on prevention or early testing and detection. The discouraging fact is that there are virtually no warning signs of this disease. Waiting for symptoms to occur before seeking medical attention can lead to major problems.

Creating a network of support for men with prostate cancer, as well as those at risk is highly important in pushing men to take charge of their prostate health. This support network of spouses, partners, children, family members, and friends can help those diagnosed with selecting the proper treatment. There are now several treatment choices available to men diagnosed with prostate cancer, which include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapies.
HERC believes this multi-faceted approach to African American men and Prostate Cancer will increase awareness and ultimately decrease the number of deaths from this disease.

"When you look at the number of advances in detection and treatment, its no wonder there’s Prostate Cancer Month," says Baxter. "We have all the tools to win this battle, we just have to show people how to use them."

The Bayview HERC is a non-profit agency dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of the residents of Bayview Hunter’s Point and Outer Mission areas of San Francisco. To learn more about the Prostate Cancer event, or to schedule an interview, please call 415.664.3831 or 415.664.1542.

# # #