Private MD News

Groups raise awareness of prostate cancer

Category: Prostate

Despite the fact that prostate cancer is among the most common causes of death for men, few individuals are aware of the dangers posed by the disease. Due to this fact, many health experts say that too few men are seeking PSA testing to determine whether or not they have harmful growths.

In an effort to increase awareness of prostate cancer and get more men to seek testing, groups across the country are hosting fundraisers and other events. These functions are designed to make more men aware of the importance of seeking PSA testing.

For example, organizers in Buffalo, New York recently held a road race that raised more than $30,000 to be given to prostate cancer charities, according to the Buffalo News. A total of 14 other cities, including Baltimore, Albuquerque and Orlando, held similar events.

"You have Susan G. Komen [For the Cure] that is so widely recognized for women's breast cancer, but there wasn't a national event to bring awareness to prostate cancer for men. That's where Dash for Dad came in," the Buffalo organizer, Vanessa Mesler, told the news source.

Prostate cancer can be treated relatively easily when it is caught in its early stages, but can become deadly when it is left untreated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.