MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners, has again partnered with Integrated Medical Foundation (IMF) and LUGPA, an association of independent urology group practices, to raise awareness of prostate cancer amid new evidence about the importance of early detection.

In recognition of September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Henry Schein, IMF, and LUGPA are working to encourage medical practitioners to speak to their patients about the importance of prostate cancer screenings.

"It is important to remember that prostate cancer is not just a men's health issue, but one that affects anybody with a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, or friend whose long-term health and wellness could depend upon early detection efforts," said Dr. Deepak A. Kapoor, President, Advanced Urology Centers of New York, and Clinical Associate Professor of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Now is the time to urge those closest to us to speak with their doctor about whether a prostate cancer screening is right for them."

The American Cancer Society (ACS) expects approximately 180,000 men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 26,000 men to die from the disease in 2016. It is the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer. The ACS estimates that about one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Education regarding the importance of prostate cancer screenings has become more urgent, according to recently released data (full report at bit.ly/23XsNU5) by Dr. Kapoor and other researchers, which indicates that fewer men are undergoing prostate cancer screenings. As a consequence, patients are being diagnosed with a more aggressive, potentially less treatable disease. "The evidence is clearer than ever," continued Dr. Kapoor, "that early detection saves lives."

In honor of the observance, Henry Schein will support IMF and LUGPA with a series of communication efforts to heighten awareness among practitioners and the public about the importance of early detection in the fight against prostate cancer. Tactics include the distribution of educational materials to practitioners, as well as a public service announcement. Earlier this summer, the Company was among the lead sponsors of IMF's fifth annual Belmont Stakes "Blue Ribbon Run for Prostate Cancer®."

"Promoting wellness, prevention, and awareness of important health issues is a pillar of the Henry Schein Cares mission, and we are pleased to partner with IMF and LUGPA to encourage doctors and their patients to discuss the benefits of a prostate cancer screening," said Karen Prange, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer – Global Animal Health, Medical and Dental Surgical Group. "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to remind everyone that one simple test could make all the difference, and help generations of men live long, happy, and healthy lives."

About Integrated Medical Foundation

Integrated Medical Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization which promotes awareness and early detection of prostate cancer. Integrated Medical Foundation is committed to improving patient healthcare through education and outreach, offering free programs, free support services, and free prostate cancer screenings to the community. For more information, visit www.imfcares.org.

About LUGPA

LUGPA represents urology group practices in the United States, whose 133 member groups perform nearly one-third of urology services nationwide. LUGPA and its member practices are committed to best practices, research, data collection and benchmarking to promote quality clinical outcomes. For more information, visit www.lugpa.org.  

About Henry Schein Cares

Henry Schein Cares stands on four pillars: engaging Team Schein Members to reach their potential, ensuring accountability by extending ethical business practices to all levels within Henry Schein, promoting environmental sustainability, and expanding access to health care for underserved and at-risk communities around the world. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on three main areas: advancing wellness, building capacity in the delivery of health care services, and assisting in emergency preparedness and relief.

Firmly rooted in a deep commitment to social responsibility and the concept of enlightened self-interest championed by Benjamin Franklin, the philosophy behind Henry Schein Cares is a vision of "doing well by doing good." Through the work of Henry Schein Cares to enhance access to care for those in need, the Company believes that it is furthering its long-term success. "Helping Health Happen Blog" is a platform for health care professionals to share their volunteer experiences delivering assistance to those in need globally. To read more about how Henry Schein Cares is making a difference, please visit our blog: www.helpinghealthhappen.org.

About Henry Schein, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners. The Company also serves dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, and other alternate care sites. A Fortune 500® Company and a member of the S&P 500® and the Nasdaq 100® indexes, Henry Schein employs more than 19,000 Team Schein Members and serves more than one million customers.

The Company offers a comprehensive selection of products and services, including value-added solutions for operating efficient practices and delivering high-quality care. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 110,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 150,000 additional products available as special-order items. The Company also offers its customers exclusive, innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions, as well as a broad range of financial services.                                             

Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein has operations or affiliates in 33 countries. The Company's sales reached a record $10.6 billion in 2015, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 15 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein and @HenrySchein on Twitter.

SOURCE Henry Schein, Inc.

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