Prostate Health Research And Awareness Initiative Launches During Hall Of Fame Weekend

Main Category: Prostate / Prostate Cancer
Article Date: 07 Aug 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Fourteen retired National Football League (NFL) players took charge of their prostate health by getting screened for prostate cancer during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival and game, which took place August 2-3 in Canton, Ohio. The screening represented the kickoff of a prostate cancer research and awareness initiative launched by the AUA Foundation and funded by the NFL Player Care Foundation.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 14 retired NFL players were screened by urologists, phlebotomists and an oncologist at Aultman Hospital in Canton.

This prostate health research and awareness program is one in a series of recent programs that the NFL and the NFL Players Association have initiated to address the medical needs of retired players. Funding for some of these research and education programs comes from the NFL Player Care Foundation, which was created in 2007 in part to address health and quality of life issues encountered by retired players.

The AUA Foundation was also present at the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival to provide prostate cancer information to thousands of fans outside Fawcett Stadium over the course of the weekend.

"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the United States," said AUA Foundation Executive Director Sandra Vassos, MPA. "We are so pleased that the NFL Player Care Foundation has made awareness for this disease a priority and that we can help facilitate this initiative."

"Retired NFL players should be proud that they are taking charge of their health and serving as leaders in the community. We hope that this research will encourage other men to get screened for prostate cancer," Vassos added.

More than 27,000 men will die from prostate cancer in 2008, according to the AUA Foundation. Screening and early detection is the best defense against the disease. Prostate cancer is most treatable when found early. The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends annual screening starting at age 50. African-American men and those with a family history of the disease are at a greater risk and should begin screening earlier.

About the AUA Foundation

Originally established in 1987, the Foundation is the premier provider and resource for the most current, comprehensive and reliable urologic health information. We advocate and educate to empower physicians and the public to progress toward the highest quality prevention, detection and treatment of urologic diseases. With the support and the strength of more than 16,000 physician members of the American Urological Association, the AUA Foundation strives to make certain that those who suffer from urologic conditions can enjoy the benefit of the highest level of care possible.

American Urological Association (AUA)
1000 Corporate Blvd.
Linthicum, MD 21040
United States
http://www.auanet.org