NFL and Urology Care Foundation Team Up to Raise Prostate Cancer Awareness

More than 161,000 men in 2017 will be told they have prostate cancer – that's a new case diagnosed every 3.1 minutes or 5 times during an NFL quarter. It's staggering to know one in seven men will be diagnosed with this disease during their lifetime and the odds increase to one in five if they are African American and one in three if they have a family history.

"I am fortunate to be one of the nearly 3 million men who can call themselves prostate cancer survivors," said Pro Football Hall of Fame member and campaign spokesperson, Mike Haynes. "I share my journey because I want other men to know how important early detection of this disease is and how it simply starts with knowing your risk and talking to your doctor."

Mike travels the country with other NFL legends, or "Team Haynes" members to share their journey with prostate cancer and encourage men and their loved ones to talk about the disease. They continue to drive the message of prostate health awareness and raise funds for prostate cancer research by participating in numerous TV and radio interviews throughout the country. To Haynes' surprise, it was an NFL Player Care/Urology Care Foundation screening that led to the discovery he had prostate cancer. As someone who benefitted from early detection, he understands the importance of knowing your risk and talking to your doctor.

"We are extremely thankful for our partnership with the NFL to help us address such an important issue in men's heath," said Richard A. Memo, MD, Chair of the Urology Care Foundation. "By encouraging men and their loved ones to talk about prostate cancer, we can help spread awareness about this disease."

The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends men ages 55 to 69, with an average risk for prostate cancer, talk to their health care provider about whether prostate cancer testing is right for them. For African-American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer, consider talking to your health care provider as early as 40-54 years of age about the benefits and risks of testing. 

The Urology Care Foundation and the NFL have built upon a relationship that started in 2007 when the NFL, through its Player Care Foundation, began implementing prostate cancer screenings for retired players conducted by the Urology Care Foundation. Today, they continue to encourage all men and their loved ones to visit KnowYourStats.org for information about prostate cancer.

Don't sit on the sidelines, talk to your doctor about your prostate health and visit KnowYourStats.org today!

What You Should Know About Prostate Cancer:

• 161,360 men will be told they have prostate cancer this year. It is one of the most common cancers in men in the United States.
• Aside from age, risk factors for prostate cancer include family history and race.
• One in seven men will develop prostate cancer.
• One in five African American men will develop prostate cancer.
• One in three men with a family history will develop prostate cancer.
• If you are age 55 to 69, Talk to Your Doctor about prostate screening.
• Know Your Risk. Some men are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Talk to your Doctor about prostate cancer screening if you are age 40 to 54 years and:
• are African-American
• have a father, brother or son who has had prostate cancer
• This year the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints have worked in collaboration with the Urology Care Foundation to help raise prostate cancer awareness.

About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States. One in seven men will be diagnosed in his lifetime. African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher chance of getting the disease. The Urology Care Foundation recognizes the choice to be screened for prostate cancer is a personal one. Before you decide to be tested, talk to your doctor about your risk for prostate cancer, including your personal and family history. Then talk about the benefits and risks of testing.

About the Urology Care Foundation: The Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation - and the official foundation of the American Urological Association. Through its partnerships with physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, families and the public, the Foundation aims to support and improve the prevention, detection and treatment of urological diseases through research and education.

About Michael Haynes: Michael is a former National Football League cornerback who played for the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Raiders. His professional football career began when he was selected in the 1976 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He is elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997. Haynes, a prostate cancer survivor, is the spokesperson for the Know Your Stats About Prostate Cancer® campaign and speaks on their behalf to educate and encourage men to be proactive about their prostate health.

Contact:
Christine Frey, AUA
410-689-3731, [email protected]

SOURCE Urology Care Foundation

Related Links

http://www.AUAnet.org