Tennis Legend John McEnroe Tells Men to "Get Serious" About Prostate Cancer
Teaming with health organizations to make men aware of new guidelines -- talk with doctor about prostate cancer at age 40.
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) August 27, 2009
Seven-time grand slam winner John McEnroe, whose father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006, is providing his voice and image to a new campaign that promotes recently updated prostate cancer (http://www. prostatecancerwatch. com) screening guidelines.
One in six men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, and prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among American men. The updated American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines have lowered the age (from 50 to 40) for when a man should start being monitored for Prostate Cancer, which includes talking to a doctor about the prostate-specific antigen test (PSA (http://www. prostatecancerwatch. com/what-is-a-psa-blood-test. html)), a simple blood test.
"When my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it was a big wake up call for me. I was really surprised by the prevalence of this disease," said McEnroe who turned 50 this past February. "The new AUA guidelines fit my philosophy to be proactive about health. I am hoping my story and involvement in this campaign may help a few more guys start managing their risk (http://www. prostatecancerwatch. com/know-your-risk. html) for prostate cancer and prostate health."
The campaign includes a widely distributed print advertisement that debuts in September. This effort is led by Stand Up To Cancer™, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, as well as the American Urological Association Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline, Men's Health Network, Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Prostate Conditions Education Council. More information is available at www. ProstateCancerWatch. com.
About Stand Up to Cancer
The Stand Up To Cancer™ (SU2C) movement raises funds to hasten the pace of groundbreaking translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives. In the Fall of 2007, a group of women whose lives have all been affected by cancer in profound ways began working together to marshal the resources of the media and entertainment industries in the fight against the disease. SU2C was formally launched on May 27, 2008. More information is available at www. SU2C. org.
About the American Urological Association Foundation
Originally established in 1987, the American Urological Association Foundation (AUAF) is the premier provider and resource for the most current, comprehensive and reliable urologic health information. AUAF advocates and educates to empower physicians and the public to progress toward the highest quality prevention, detection and treatment of urologic diseases. With the support and strength of more than 16,000 physician members of the American Urological Association, the AUAF strives to make certain that those who suffer from urologic conditions can enjoy the benefit of the highest level of care possible. More information is available at www. AUAFoundation. org.
About the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world's largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research focused on discovering better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. Founded in 1993, the PCF has raised more than $370 million and provided funding to more than 1,500 research projects at nearly 200 institutions worldwide. The PCF also advocates for greater awareness of prostate cancer and more federal research funds. PCF advocacy has helped produce a 20-fold increase in government funding for prostate cancer since 1994. More information is available at www. PCF. org.
About the Prostate Conditions Education Council
A national organization committed to men's health, the Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC) - formerly the Prostate Cancer Education Council - 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 nationwide 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.
About Men's Health Network
Men's Health Network (MHN) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. With a network of chapters, affiliates, and partners, MHN has a presence in every state and 30 countries. More information is available at www. menshealthnetwork. org.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. More information is available at www. GSK. com.
GlaxoSmithKline funded and helped develop this campaign, including providing compensation to Mr. McEnroe.
Contact:
Rob Perry
919-483-2839
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