Prostate Cancer Non-Profit Recognized for 20 Years of Service

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Aug 18, 2010, 10:48 ET

CHICAGO, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The prostate cancer community joins together in congratulating Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network (www.ustoo.org) in their 20th anniversary of continued prostate cancer support, education and advocacy.

The grassroots organization was founded in 1990 by a group of prostate cancer survivors on a mission to help not just other prostate cancer patients – but also their families and loved ones being impacted by the disease. For 20 years, Us TOO has provided peer-to-peer guidance and support to men and their families dealing with prostate cancer – as well as free information and materials so patients can make informed decisions about early detection, treatment options, and life after treatment. To mark this milestone – Us TOO will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this month by hosting a two-day event on August 20-21.

Themed "From Passion To Action: Us TOO at 20" – The Us TOO International Summit, Symposium & Celebration for Men and Their Families Battling Prostate Cancer will be held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. The event will include a health exhibit and an educational symposium led by researchers and urologists from across the country – featuring discussions on the latest in therapy, prostate cancer research conducted by programs through the U.S. Department of Defense, and intimacy and incontinence.

Representatives from other prostate cancer non-profit organizations will also be in attendance to recognize Us TOO for its 20 years of service.

"What the people at Us TOO have done for patients and their families over the years is simply admirable. We at Men's Health Network share a strong sense of camaraderie with them as we all work towards a common goal of helping those affected by prostate cancer," said Scott Williams, VP of Men's Health Network – a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men and their families where they live, work, play and pray.

"We applaud Tom Kirk, Us TOO's President and CEO, and his Board, volunteer and staff team for their achievement as an organization and for their continued contributions in prostate cancer awareness, education and support. The event is a testament to their commitment to tackle the issues surrounding prostate cancer," said Merel Nissenberg of the National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions, an umbrella organization driven to form prostate cancer coalitions in every state.

A highlight of the event is an advocacy summit that addresses the on-going debate about the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and treatment options. "This will be a tremendous opportunity for people on both sides of the issue to lay it all out on the table and engage in a healthy discussion. The PSA test may have some flaws, but it is still the best tool available for early detection of prostate cancer. Thank you to Us TOO for bringing everyone together so we can finally make progress on this issue," said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer, a national healthcare non-profit organization dedicated to putting an end to prostate cancer.

For more information about the event, go to: http://www.ustoo.org/2010symposium

This statement is endorsed by the following prostate cancer organizations:

AUA Foundation – www.auafoundation.org

Ed Randall's Bat for the Cure – www.batforthecure.org

Malecare Prostate Cancer Support – www.malecare.com

Men's Health Network – www.menshealthnetwork.org

National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions – www.naspcc.org

Prostate Cancer Foundation – www.prostatecancerfoundation.org

Prostate Cancer International – www.pcainternational.org

Prostate Conditions Education Council – www.prostateconditions.org

Prostate Health Education Network – www.prostatehealthed.org

The Prostate Net – www.prostatenet.org