Contact: Melissa Kadish, Press Secretary
(202) 303-3104
melissa@zerocancer.org
For Immediate Release
Sep 1, 2010
President Obama Declares September 2010 'National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month'
Prostate Cancer Researchers, Survivors, Advocates and Lawmakers Come Together in Washington, DC for ZERO's 'Summit to End Prostate Cancer'
Washington D.C. – On August 31, President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation designating September 2010 as ‘National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month’ saying – “Until we find a cure for this disease, my Administration will continue promoting awareness of this illness and supporting prostate cancer research and treatment…”
To celebrate National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer will be holding its 2010 ‘Summit to End Prostate Cancer’ event from September 14-16 in Washington D.C. The Summit focuses on effective strategies for increasing the Federal investment in prostate cancer research, promotes community involvement and advocacy in prostate cancer awareness and education, and gives attendees an opportunity to speak with their elected officials about these issues.
“The Summit brings together people from all over the country who share one goal: end prostate cancer. But in order for the prostate cancer community to accomplish this goal – we need Federal support,” said Skip Lockwood, ZERO’s CEO. “Breast cancer affects 1 in every 8 women – with prostate cancer its 1 in every 6 men. Yet, there are significantly more federal dollars, more attention, and more support for breast cancer research. Prostate cancer needs to be just as much of a national public health priority.”
The featured speakers at this year’s Summit include:
- Dr. S. Ward Casscells – Vice President for External Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.
- Dr. Carolyn J.M. Best – Program Manager, Department of Defense’s Prostate Cancer Research Program
- Dr. Stanley Frencher – Academic Liaison, Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program
- Adam Garone – Co-Founder and CEO of ‘Movember’
The National Anthem will be performed by Charlie Wilson—former lead singer of The Gap Band and a prostate cancer survivor.
On Tuesday, September 14, ZERO will also be partnering with Prostate Cancer Foundation, Prostate Health Education Network, and Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program for the ‘Advance on Washington’ Press Conference – which will address the discovery of 24 different types of prostate cancer and how to determine whether the case is aggressive vs. indolent.
Schedule
Tuesday, September 14
- 10 a.m. ‘Advance on Washington’ Press Conference, Washington Hilton
- 5:30 p.m. Prostate Cancer Awareness Reception on Capitol Hill
Room 385, Russell Senate Office Building
Wednesday, September 15
- 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Summit to End Prostate Cancer
L’Enfant Plaza Hotel
Thursday, September 16
- Prostate Cancer Lobby Day
Capitol Hill
About ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer (zerocancer.org)
At ZERO, we commit ourselves not only to reduce prostate cancer or alleviate the pain from the disease, but also to end it. We see a future where all men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer will be cured or manage their illness with good quality of life; with the support they need to minimize physical and emotional suffering, and to cope effectively throughout their cancer journey. To accomplish our goal, we provide comprehensive treatment information to patients, education to those at risk and conduct free prostate cancer testing throughout the country. We increase research funds from the federal government to find new treatments and we fund local grants to end the disease.
