By: Dr. Sachin Kamath
June marks Men’s Health Month. Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country through health education and outreach activities, encouraging men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
One program whose goal was to create awareness of prostate cancer and to help get the conversation started is Pints for Prostates. Founder Rick Lyke, a prostate cancer survivor, was diagnosed at a young age and had a deep desire to spread the word about the importance of prostate cancer screenings. He started with one-on-one conversations, usually while sharing a pint of beer which led him to start Pints for Prostates in 2008, a nonprofit organization that has the goal of raising awareness and preventing prostate cancer. The campaign raises awareness among men about the importance of regular health screenings and early detection by making appearances at beer festivals and local alehouses.
On Thursday, June 13th, 2013 Diablo Valley Oncology and Pacific Urology will sponsor their annual Pints for Prostates event at Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek. A $25 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 2013:
- About 238,590 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed
- About 29,720 men will die of prostate cancer
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 a special interest in prostate cancer, at Diablo Valley Oncology in Pleasant Hill. He can be reached at 925-825-8878.
