Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Event Held at Arkansas Capitol
On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, a launch event for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month was held at the Arkansas State Capitol. This initiative brings together high school football teams from across the state to enhance awareness and encourage men to undergo life-saving testing.
As part of the campaign, players will sport a blue ribbon decal on their helmets, sparking critical conversations about prostate health. Their coaches, meanwhile, will participate in ‘No Shave November’, refraining from shaving to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment.
Chris Collier, Executive Director of the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, highlighted the significance of prostate cancer awareness in Arkansas. This year, prostate cancer is projected to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the state, surpassing breast, colon, and lung cancers. Collier emphasized that men typically delay annual physical examinations unless faced with health issues, unlike women, and advised that current guidelines recommend screening starting at age 50, or 40 for those at greater risk.
In support of this initiative, free screening events will be organized throughout Arkansas, making it easy for men to get vital information about their prostate health through a simple blood test. The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation is committed to reducing the human suffering and economic burden from cancer for the citizens of Arkansas.
Additionally, a special event, ‘Bourbon, Beards, and Blue Ribbons’, has been scheduled for September 19, 2024, at the Chenal Country Club. This experiential gala promises an evening of fun, featuring activities like fly-casting lessons, axe throwing, and bourbon tasting. The event will also honor the elite group of men in the No Shave Club, who worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds during the previous No Shave November campaign. For those interested, event sponsors and tickets are available.
These efforts are part of a broader push to reduce the economic and human burdens of cancer in Arkansas. By fostering partnerships and providing crucial assistance, the Arkansas Cancer Coalition works to make a significant difference in the lives of those battling cancer.
