By Sachin Kamath, MD
June is the month we celebrate the DADS in our lives, perhaps that is why June is also Men’s Health Month. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems, encourage early detection and the treatment of disease among men and boys.
Another program aimed at creating awareness for men’s health was founded by Rick Lyke, a prostate cancer survivor diagnosed at a young age. He felt a deep desire to get the conversation going with friends about the importance of prostate cancer screening. He started with one-on-one conversations, usually while sharing a pint of beer. Rick’s passion led him to establish the ‘Pints for Prostates’ nonprofit organization – with the goal of raising awareness and preventing prostate cancer.
On June 13th, Diablo Valley Oncology and Pacific Urology sponsor their annual ‘Pints for Prostates’ event at Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek. The guest of honor and keynote speaker will be Rick Lyke! $20 donation Pints Package includes beer, beer glass, hors d’ouevres, and raffle ticket. Space is limited, reserve by calling 925-677-5041
What are the key statistics about prostate cancer?
Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The latest American Cancer Society estimates for prostate cancer in the United States are for 2012:
- About 241,740 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed
- About 28,170 men will die of prostate cancer
About 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. Nearly two thirds are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 67. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 man in 36 will die of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 2.5 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.
Dr. Kamath is a Radiation Oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology in Pleasant Hill. He can be reached at 925-825-8878.
