We've had a few threads here in the past about
September being National Prostate Health Month. A common observation in them has been that there is often a frankly tepid response to the idea, usually explained by saying that men just don't relate to it as well or as energetically as, say, women do to the breast cancer month.
Well, maybe. But below are a few quick facts about
National Prostate Health Month posted now, at the beginning of said month, as just a quick reminder of a few of the facts about
it.
Maybe a few things to kick around mentally as the month progresses.
HISTORY
First designated National Prostate Health Month by the American Foundation for Urological Disease in 1999. In 2001 Senate Resolution 138 endorsed it and affirmed that it would be observed annually. In 2003 President George W. Bush specifically named the month "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month." Confirmed by the Obama administration in 2015.
So it's not all that old.
ACTIVITIES
Free screenings for prostate-related diseases are offered at many hospitals, health centers, and workplaces. Physicians are sent information on how NPHW can be used as a way to remind their patients about
prostate health. The Prostate Cancer Education Council uses the popularity of sports to spread awareness of prostate health effects and resources. For example, NFL teams dedicate home games to prostate cancer awareness, and golf tournaments and 5k races distribute informational material to audiences and participants in exchange for the incentive of prizes.
USING VIDEO TO GET OUT THE WORD
A short video from ZERO Prostate Cancer as an example of making reference to the month when it arrives.
(BTW, and this is totally an aside, but one I found interesting. The person in the above video is Courtney Bugler, now CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. She is someone with extensive experience in cancer fundraising. She worked previously for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, is herself a 17-year breast cancer survivor, and is a caregiver to her father who currently lives with prostate cancer. Sometimes the drive to be a mover in the work against cancer is a personal one).
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/prostate-cancer-awareness-monthhttps://www.fightingprostatecancer.org/blog/2022/9/1/how-to-get-involved-during-prostate-cancer-awareness-monthwhich websites tell us:
"Prostate Cancer Awareness Month aims to spread awareness about prostate cancer and raise funds to support cancer research and help people with prostate cancer."
"Events like Prostate Cancer Awareness Month can help educate people on important matters like when and how to undergo cancer screening."
"Raising awareness about prostate cancer is also important because making some lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of developing it." Ways to get involved: volunteering, fundraising, walk or run races (advocacy groups often host marathons, walkathons, or endurance events during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, where participants raise money by asking people or local businesses to pledge a certain amount per mile completed).
Also, set up a fundraising page with the Prostate Cancer Foundation and use social media to tell others where to donate.
Or get creative. For example, artists can sell or auction off their work. People who work in trade industries can also offer their services as prizes or donate a portion of what they charge.
Wear promotional items, such as hats, pins, badges, sweaters, shirts, and jackets.
A person may also place bumper stickers on their vehicles related to the cause.
Donate. The PCF sends 10 light blue prostate awareness pins to people who donate at least $25.
Just a few thoughts on the month that has been designated as the time to give a shout-out what this disease is, the impact it has on so many lives, and some of the things people can do to help in the work to overcome it.