By Tom Tarapacki
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men,
and in most men it grows very slowly. About one man in six will be diagnosed
with prostate cancer during his lifetime, and about 80 percent of men who reach
age 80 have prostate cancer.
In order to raise awareness of and funding for prostate
health in the Buffalo area, a new 5K race is being held on September 13th. Cancer Care of Western New
York, Main Urology Associates and Western New York Urology Associates are
holding the first 5K run/walk called “Dash for Dad” on Sunday, September 13th
at 10 AM. in the Delaware Park area to support the battle against prostate
cancer.
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland
grow out of control. There are often no early prostate cancer symptoms, but
some men have urinary symptoms and discomfort. Besides being male, there are
other factors, such as age (the risk increases as you grow older), race (it
occurs more often in African American men), diet (high dietary fat may be a
contributing factor), and family history that can contribute to the risk. Every
man should know about screening for prostate cancer, because early detection can
be life saving.
The pre-registration entry fee is $25 per runner. Race-day
registration is $30 per runner. To register, go to: http://www.cancercarewny.com/dashfordad/. Organizers are still looking for
volunteers, and you can also get information about volunteering at that site.
Race proceeds benefit ZERO – The Project to End
Prostate Cancer, a leading national organization dedicated to research,
education and promoting early detection. Among other benefits, proceeds will
help fund screenings in underserved communities.
Through the race, doctors at Cancer Care of Western New
York, Western New York Urology Associates and Main Urology Associates hope to educate local
men about the importance early detection plays in the successful diagnosis and
treatment of prostate cancer. “It is important to talk about prostate cancer,”
said Dr. Michael Duff, radiation oncologist at Cancer Care of Western New York.
“Early detection with PSA testing can catch the disease in its early stages
when it is most curable.”
“The PSA test is a simple blood test that measures
the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen- an enzyme made by the prostate gland,” added
Dr. Kent Chevli, urologist at Western New York Urology Associates. “The death
rate for prostate cancer is steadily decreasing due largely to PSA screening
and other advancements in cancer screening and treatment.”
The Dash for Dad 5K run/walk is underwritten by Cancer
Care of Western New York, Main Urology Associates, and Western New York Urology
Associates with support from Abbott and Kimberly-Clark. The media sponsor for
the event is WGRZ-TV Channel 2. Fleet Feet Owner and local Race Director Dan
Loncto will manage this year’s race.
You can also follow the Dash for Dad Buffalo on Facebook, or
become a fan at Dash For Dad.