Called the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge (ZPCC), the new series is comprised of run/walks, golf tournaments and teams at top endurance events. The ZPCC, managed by ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer (a national 501c3 charity), raises awareness and funds to save lives from the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer among American men.

"Thousands are making a choice for a healthy lifestyle by walking, running, cycling and playing golf to help end prostate cancer," ZERO CEO Jamie Bearse said. "Building a movement to defeat such a dreaded disease takes teamwork. We're extremely grateful to the 100-plus local partners like doctor offices, local charities and sponsors for coming together to begin this effort."

The ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge event series is broken down into: ZERO Prostate Cancer Run, ZERO Prostate Cancer Golf and ZERO Prostate Cancer Endurance. Whether you're a triathlete, avid golfer or just like to take a leisurely stroll around the block, there is a way for you to get involved in a city near you.

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run brings together the successful DASH FOR DAD race series, the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge race series and several other popular local races into one program with run/walk events in more than three dozen cities across the nation, from large cities like Washington, DC and Los Angeles, to small towns like Lancaster, PA. Hosted by many urology practices and oncology centers, the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run brings together athletes, cancer patients and survivors, physicians, caretakers, family members and friends in the fight to end prostate cancer. The events are family-friendly, and most consist of a 5K run and a 1-mile walk.

ZERO Prostate Cancer Golf joins together ZERO's annual Know Your Score celebrity golf tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC with more than a half-dozen events formerly managed by the Prostate Awareness Research Foundation (PAR for Life). In January, PAR for Life merged with ZERO, with its Founder and President Evan Denhart joining ZERO's executive team.

"I'm very excited that the PAR for Life golf series is becoming part of the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge," said Denhart. "I think this is a tremendous opportunity to begin to unify the movement and solidify ZERO as the leader in awareness for prostate cancer. Together we can end it."

ZERO Prostate Cancer Endurance allows athletes to accomplish their personal fitness goals, meet friends and help end prostate cancer by offering spaces in top-tier endurance events across the nation. ZERO fields teams in top endurance activities like the New York City Marathon, Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon and several Ironman events around the country.

n addition to educating men and families about prostate cancer, ZERO aims to encourage participants to help make funding prostate cancer research a national priority by attending the organization's annual fly-in conference, ZERO Prostate Cancer Summit, and/or write letters to their elected officials. The U.S. government is the largest funder of prostate cancer research in the world and nearly every new treatment in the last five years has been discovered because of federal funds secured by ZERO and its advocates.

To learn more about the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge and for a full list of events near you, visit http://www.zerocancer.org.

Since then, terrific advances in diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, radiation therapy and novel treatments for castrate-resistant disease have reduced the prostate cancer mortality rate by an average of 3.5 percent each year.

Today, there are nearly 90 new treatments under clinical review. The hopeful side of prostate cancer has never been so hopeful.

Still, a man dies every 18 minutes and we’ve all lost many friends we’ve met along the way. Although much has been accomplished to save lives, there is a great need for new treatments and new hope.

Somewhere in America today, a young researcher has an idea that will one day lead to the end of prostate cancer. It is our responsibility to make that hope reality.

We need to continue the quality of breakthrough treatments by increasing our nation’s commitment to funding research. Specifically, investments in prostate cancer research at the Department of Defense offer the best return on investment with a track record of speeding life-saving treatments from the science bench to the patient’s bedside.

Let’s also make great strides in helping patients. We can’t end prostate cancer so long as there are three million patients in America with many of them unable to access the treatments they need to win their own personal battles.

We need to educate men and families. Only 9 percent of patients ever learn of potentially life-saving clinical trials and far too few are ever made aware of prevention methods that can stop cancer before its too late.

Ending prostate cancer is achievable but it begins with zero: Zero tolerance to stand by while others suffer. ZERO means action. Roll up your sleeves, break a sweat, and ask friends to pitch-in kind of action. If patients, families, doctors, companies and organizations come together in a collaborative way, we can achieve zero prostate cancer deaths.

Through the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge, thousands are making a choice for a healthy lifestyle by walking, running, cycling and playing golf to help end prostate cancer. Many others are writing Congress, recruiting neighbors and coming to Capitol Hill to make prostate cancer a national priority.

Will you lace up your sneakers? Put pen to paper? Can you pitch-in?

If you can, then together we will forge new hope, save lives and find the critical research needed to end this disease.

Click here to send a letter to your elected officials.

Click here to find a ZERO Prostate Cancer Run event near you.

Jamie Bearse, CEO, ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer

"The Board welcomes Jamie to his new role as CEO,” said Jonathan Schwartz, Chairman of the Board of Directors at ZERO. “We are confident in his strong leadership skills and are eager to work together to achieve our mission of ending prostate cancer.”

Bearse developed the DASH FOR DAD race series for ZERO and later merged it with the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge in 2009. Today called the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge, the race takes place in more than three-dozen cities across the U.S. and will generate more than $2.5M this year toward education and increasing prostate cancer research funding

“We have accomplished a great amount to save lives, but there is great need for new treatments and new hope,” said Bearse. “Somewhere in America today, a young researcher has an idea that will one day lead to the end of prostate cancer. It is our responsibility to make that hope a reality.” (Read Bearse’s full statement here.)

Bearse’s accomplishments at ZERO include developing multiple successful fundraising programs, securing two separate $1M donations for the organization and recruiting the two most recent chairmen of the Board of Directors.

An avid runner, Bearse also founded the ZERO Prostate Cancer Endurance program in 2008 by competing in the Marine Corps Marathon. Today, more than 100 athletes compete in these endurance teams around the country, raising more than $250,000.

Bearse started at ZERO (then called the National Prostate Cancer Coalition) as the organization’s press secretary where he won seven League of American Communication Professional awards, including the best non-profit publicity campaign in 2005 – winning the award after recruiting former New York City Mayor and prostate cancer survivor Rudy Giuliani to serve as a volunteer spokesman.

His achievements in development and communication have propelled the organization to national recognition and have helped educate countless men and families about prostate cancer.

“There is no one better than Jamie to take the reigns of the organization and continue to push forward,” said outgoing CEO Skip Lockwood, who is stepping down after leading the organization for five years. “His dedication to the cause and hardworking attitude will bring us ever closer to our goal of ending prostate cancer.”

Previous to working at ZERO, Bearse served as U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch’s press secretary on his successful first election run for Congress and then on Capitol Hill. He also worked as an editor, reporter and freelance writer for various newspapers in Massachusetts. He studied communications at Johns Hopkins University and holds a Bachelor of Art degree from the University of Massachusetts and an Associate of Art degree from Cape Cod Community College.

Bearse is a Massachusetts native and now resides in Cocoa Beach, FL, with his wife Morgen and their children Sarah, Ethen and Ben.

"The Board would like to thank Skip for his incredible service and accomplishments with ZERO,” said Jonathan Schwartz, Chairman of the Board of Directors at ZERO. “We are sad to see him go and wish him nothing but good fortune in his new endeavor.”

Skip worked tirelessly for the past thirteen years to achieve his vision of Generation ZERO – the first generation of men free from prostate cancer. His legacy includes increasing the organization’s operating budget from $1.3 million to $3.8 million, forging relationships with high profile organizations and celebrities to increase prostate cancer awareness, and educating countless men about the disease through ZERO’s many programs and events.

During his time at ZERO, Skip was instrumental in bringing the Drive Against Prostate Cancer, a mobile education and cancer testing program, to the organization. The Drive, now known as ZERO Prostate Cancer Testing, has alerted more than 120,000 men to potentially live-saving information and educated countless others.

ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge (ZPCC), now the largest men’s health event series in the nation, was formed under Skip’s leadership. Comprised of run/walks, golf tournaments and teams at top endurance events, ZPCC events are hosted by urology practices and oncology centers in more than 60 locations across the nation, bringing together athletes, cancer patients and survivors, physicians, caretakers, family members and friends in the fight to end prostate cancer.

Skip was a driving force in the movement to bring prostate cancer awareness from a backwater activity to a significant and viable activity to find a cure. Working with celebrities from Rudy Giuliani to Julius “Dr. J.” Erving, and organizations including Major League Baseball, National Hockey League and NASCAR, Skip worked to educate men about their health and the importance of early detection.

When Skip became CEO, the organization changed its name from National Prostate Cancer Coalition to ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer. The organization has grown from a staff of six to sixteen and recently updated its name to ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer during a rebranding. Skip worked to bring the organization to full transparency, attaining 501c3 charity and Better Business Bureau certifications.

“Skip is a pioneer in the field of men’s health,” said Jamie Bearse, incoming CEO at ZERO. “He does not believe in complacency and his energy and unique approach to challenges propelled ZERO to the front lines in the fight to end prostate cancer. His passion will be greatly missed as we continue to work to end this disease.”

Skip, his wife Julie and son Harry are moving to upstate New York where Skip will join his father-in-law in running his family’s industrial piping business.

In an effort to raise awareness and encourage at-risk men to get tested, ZERO will bring its mobile cancer-testing vehicle to the 2013 NBA All Star weekend in Houston on Feb. 15-17. During All Star weekend, men can get tested aboard the vehicle and learn more about the disease in a comfortable, men-centric environment. The ZERO Prostate Cancer Testing program has tested more than 120,000 men across the nation, alerting them to potentially live-saving information.

“ZERO is proud to partner with the National Retired Basketball Players Association,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer. “We must remain vigilant in the fight to end prostate cancer by educating men about their risks and providing them with opportunities to be tested.”

In 2013, it is estimated that 29,720 men will die from the disease and 238,590 new cases will be diagnosed. Research shows that early detection saves lives. Over the past 25 years, the five-year relative survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer combined has increased from 68 percent to almost 100 percent, which can be attributed to the widespread use of the PSA blood test for the disease.

For reasons that remain unclear, prostate cancer incidence rates are significantly higher in African Americans than in Caucasians, and death rates in African Americans remain more than twice as high as those in Caucasians. Other risk factors for prostate cancer include age and family history of the disease. Studies suggest that a diet high in processed meat or dairy foods may also be a risk factor. Obesity may increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, and obesity and smoking are associated with an increased risk of dying from the disease.

ZERO believes that men should take a proactive approach to their health, and discuss prostate cancer risk factors and testing options with their doctor.

“We must remain vigilant in the fight to end prostate cancer by increasing research funding, raising awareness and education, and continuing to test men with risk factors,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer.

Data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that in 2013, new cases of prostate cancer will decrease, while death rates from the disease will increase. In 2013, it is estimated that 29,720 men will die from the disease and 238,590 new cases will be diagnosed.

While the decrease in new prostate cancer cases may be viewed in a positive light, it may also point to a growing trend of fewer men being tested for the disease. A recent report in the journal Frontiers in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention found that the number of Americans seeking cancer screening has declined over the past decade, with less than optimal levels for most types of cancer. The report attributed the decline in testing to disagreements among the groups that set recommendations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society, along with rising numbers of uninsured people.

Research shows that early detection saves lives. Over the past 25 years, the five-year relative survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer combined has increased from 68 percent to almost 100 percent, which can be attributed to the widespread use of the PSA blood test for the disease.

For reasons that remain unclear, prostate cancer incidence rates are significantly higher in African Americans than in Caucasians, and death rates in African Americans remain more than twice as high as those in Caucasians. Other risk factors for prostate cancer include age and family history of the disease.

Studies suggest that a diet high in processed meat or dairy foods may also be a risk factor. Obesity may increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, and obesity and smoking are associated with an increased risk of dying from the disease.

ZERO believes that men should take a proactive approach to their health, and discuss prostate cancer risk factors and testing options with their doctor.

"This policy agenda is the result of a very constructive meeting of the members of the Prostate Cancer Roundtable in Washington, D.C., on November 30, 2012. A key point in that agenda is the absolute need to update the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force decision-making process for the benefit of not just those at risk for prostate cancer, but those at risk for all chronic and deadly diseases," stated Scott Williams, Senior Vice President of Men's Health Network.

Senior delegates to the Prostate Cancer Roundtable have emphasized the continuing value of the close working relationships that have been formed between the member organizations over the past 4 years. The regular meetings of the Prostate Cancer Roundtable have led to a closer working relationship and improved insight into how the member organizations can best work together to promote broad public awareness of risk, high quality research, appropriate early detection, and more effective treatment strategies for men with and at risk for prostate cancer.

"The Prostate Cancer Roundtable continues to work closely together to ensure progress against the most prevalent form of cancer affecting men in America today," added Merel Nissenberg, President of the National Alliance of State Prostate Coalitions.

"The semi-annual meetings of the Prostate Cancer Roundtable in our nation's capitol continue to provide insight into how the prostate cancer community can best work together to promote research, early awareness, and effective treatment strategies," said Thomas Kirk, President and CEO of Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network.

The fundamental priorities of this policy agenda are as follows:

"Research is the hope for the future. Key research programs like those at the Prostate Cancer Research Program within the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program and at the National Cancer Institute provide hope for better diagnostic tools and for a much-needed cure," said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer.

"African Americans are at highest risk for prostate cancer, and our organizations plan to continue efforts to promote awareness among policy makers and others of the tragic effect this disease has on the families in the African American community," stated Thomas Farrington of the Prostate Health Education Network.

"The members of Prostate Cancer Roundtable have been working since 2009 to ensure that policy makers understand how prostate cancer is affecting the lives of men and their families. This policy agenda sets the standard for prostate cancer advocacy across the country," said Joel Nowak, Director of Advocacy for Malecare.

“Prostate cancer is just as common as breast cancer, but the social stigmas associated with prostate health present barriers that most men simply will not conquer, alone,” said Chris Sargent, Founder of Protect Your Manhood. After suffering from prostate issues, Chris began developing best practices and resources that men and their sexual partners can use to improve prostate health and performance. Protect Your Manhood will donate a portion of proceeds to ZERO.

“Protect Your Manhood is a survivors story, passionately shared man to man,” said Jamie Bearse, Chief Strategic Officer and Executive Vice President of ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer. “ZERO is very grateful for Protect Your Manhoodʼs ongoing financial commitment and appreciate their distinctive voice in addressing menʼs prostate health.”

Nearly every treatment breakthrough in prostate cancer in the last five years has been made possible, at least in part, by funding secured by ZERO. And every dollar donated to ZERO is leveraged into $250 for research to find a cure for prostate cancer. With support from organizations like Protect Your Manhood, ZERO plans to continue working to end prostate cancer.

For more information on Protect Your Manhood, visit www.protectyourmanhood.com.

The Memorial, which will be located on the 29th Avenue side of Broadway at the Beach, will be unveiled during a public ceremony on September 11, 2012. To make a tax deductible donation, please go to https://zerocancer.org/events/other/protect_the_protectors/.

“The Myrtle Beach 9/11 Unity Memorial will provide local residents and the millions of people who travel to the area each year the opportunity to remember the tragedy of September 11 and also the heroes who helped save countless lives,” said Bill Golden, Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday president. “It was an honor to receive a piece of ribbon beam from the World Trade Center, and the Memorial is our way of saying thanks.”

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the Myrtle Beach tourism community hosted countless first responders to provide them a respite from the work of restoring Ground Zero, and MBGH launched the FDNY 9/11 Memorial Golf Outing, forging a relationship with the FDNY and its membership that continues to this day.

As a show of appreciation for the friendship, a piece of ribbon beam from the North Tower was presented to MBGH in May 2011, leading to the construction of the Myrtle Beach 9/11 Unity Memorial. The Memorial will be paid for via privately raised funds and the donations will run through ZERO’s ‘Protect the Protectors’ program.

“ZERO supports Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday in honoring our nation’s brave heroes,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO. “Firefighters are at increased risk for prostate cancer and we are working to end the disease through awareness, education, testing and research.”

Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between the chemical exposures firefighters experience on the job and an increased risk for prostate cancer. A study in the journal Lancet showed that firefighters who were working Ground Zero before and after 9/11 are 19 percent more likely to develop cancer.

“We’re excited that so many sports and entertainment celebrities are coming together for the fifth year in a row to fight this disease that affects so many men and their families,” said Skip Lockwood, ZERO’s CEO. “One in six men will be diagnosed prostate cancer during his life and awareness brings us closer to the cure.”

Participants will get the chance to play a round of golf with celebrities such as Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Lynn Swann and Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues. The gala will feature a sit down dinner and live entertainment.

All proceeds from Know Your Score Golf Tournament and Gala go directly to the fight to end prostate cancer by funding testing, promoting education and awareness, and enabling research that will lead to the cure. Atlantic Urology Clinics and Carolina Regional Cancer Center will serve as title sponsors for the event for a second year in a row.

“Generous support from Atlantic Urology Clinics and Carolina Regional Cancer Center helps to make Know Your Score a success and brings us closer to finding the cure for prostate cancer,” said Heath Carter, ZERO’s Director of Marketing and Communications.

To register for the tournament and gala and to get more information about Know Your Score visit: www.knowyourscoremb.com.

Washington D.C. – The Supreme Court today upheld the Affordable Care Act in its entirety, giving prostate cancer survivors continued access to affordable health insurance, but also putting early detection for the disease at risk due to the establishment of the United States Preventive Services Task Force as the federal entity responsible for establishing a required list of preventive services for which Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies must pay.

“While we support and welcome legislation that provides affordable health insurance options for prostate cancer survivors, we feel the law also limits access to early detection for diseases such as prostate cancer,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer.

Recently, the USPSTF changed their recommendation for prostate cancer to a grade of D. This recommendation discourages men to get tested for prostate cancer and could ultimately lead to private insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid eliminating coverage of the PSA test. The USPSTF's decision contradicts prostate cancer testing recommendations from medical and professional organizations, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Urological Association and puts American men at risk.

ZERO’s continued focus for prostate cancer patients and survivors includes: USPSTF reform, increasing access to care and preventive services, maximization of covered treatment options for prostate cancer, and pre-existing condition exemption for prostate cancer survivors.

Washington, DC - Menswear retailer Rothmans is hosting a prostate cancer awareness event at its new store at 222 Park Ave South at 18th St on Thursday June 14th from 1-7 PM. The event, in recognition of Father's Day, will include free prostate cancer testing aboard a mobile RV operated by ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer. The co-hosts of the program are Würkin Stiffs® and ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer. Würkin Stiffs and ZERO have teamed up to raise awareness about the disease the entire month of June and have held a number of related events nationwide to date.

“When Jonathan Boos of Würkin Stiffs approached me about hosting this event at our new store, it was a no brainer for us to get involved,” said Ken Giddon, President of Rothmans. “Prostate Cancer is the second leading cause of death among men and we admire ZERO’s effort to increase awareness about this disease and offer free testing.”

All are invited to Rothmans for an exciting health & style event. ZERO’s mobile RV, which is equipped with plush leather chairs and flat screen televisions, will be parked out front of Rothmans offering complimentary prostate cancer testing and examinations. All those tested for prostate cancer will be given a gift bag, which includes a gift card for a 10% in-store discount at Rothmans and product from Wurkin Stiffs.

“More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer. “Education and early detection are the keys to successful treatment of the disease.”

Jonathan Boos, the owner of Würkin Stiffs will hold a trunk show, showcasing his latest products, which include Power Stays™, knotz™, cufflinks, Polo Stays™, RFID Würkin Wallets and the recently launched iWÜRK collection. A portion of the proceeds from each sale of Wurkin Stiffs product will be donated to ZERO, to aid in their research and testing. Chuck Nice, comedian and Today Show contributor will also be in attendance offering style tips to shoppers.

“This is going to be an event all of us Würkin Stiffs will remember for a very long time,” said Jonathan Boos. “Recruit the males in your lives and join us at Rothmans.”

Washington, DC - Lace up your sneakers and join ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer and GW Medical Faculty Associates on Sunday, June 17 for the DASH4DAD 4-mile race in Arlington, VA. A Pacers Race Series event, the race is part of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge, America’s premier men’s health event series, taking place in 34 cities in 2012.

“More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone, including more than 12,500 in DC, Virginia and Maryland,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer. “The District has the highest prostate cancer incidence rate and death rate in the country and raising awareness is critical.”

The race will take place at Pentagon Row in Arlington where runners will have views of the Pentagon and the Air Force Memorial. More than 2,000 participants are expected at this exciting race, where they will have the chance to take part in the "Tie One On for Dad" competition. Making for a great visual, at the one-mile mark runners will slip on a gently used necktie and showcase their best knot-tying skills before continuing the race. All participants will be invited to after-party along Pentagon Row to wrap up the run.

Funds raised from the race go to prostate cancer research, education, and free testing. ZERO provides comprehensive treatment information to patients, education to those at risk, and free testing to at-risk men around the country. ZERO also works to increase research funds from the federal government to find new treatments and better diagnostic tests for prostate cancer.

For more information, visit http://greatprostatecancerchallenge.com/races/dc/.

Washington, DC - Baltimore's premiere grooming and product services company, Quinntessential Gentleman is teaming up with Würkin Stiffs®, the innovative men's accessories brand, along with ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer to raise awareness about prostate cancer. “More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer. “Yearly testing is the key to early detection and successful treatment of the disease.”

All are invited on Monday, June 11th, between the hours 3pm and 7pm, to Quinntessential Gentleman for an exciting Health & Style event, which will be held adjacent to the Inner Harbor at 31 South Calvert Street, Baltimore, Maryland. ZERO will be present with a local Baltimore urologists from Chesapeake Urology to distribute educational materials and talk about the effects of prostate cancer while offering complimentary prostrate cancer testing and examinations. The first 25 men tested will receive a complimentary shoeshine from QG and a Würkin Stiffs gift bag. According to ZERO, in 2012 more than 5,100 men in the state of Maryland will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Quinntessential Gentleman Proprietor, Craig Martin says, "It is our goal to make every client more handsome and feel special. Furthermore it is our mission to help non-profits and charities come together to make Baltimore a more 'handsome' place. We are very happy to partner with ZERO and raise awareness about prostate cancer in our community. This is obviously a no-brainer when in comes to us lending a hand; testing for this disease involves a simple blood test and a physical exam in which ZERO offers at no cost. Whatever we can do to help men live healthier lives, we’re committed to.”

In addition to this educational event, Würkin Stiffs will be holding a trunk show, showcasing their latest products, which include: knotz™, cufflinks, Polo Stays™, RFID Würkin Wallets and its recently launched iWÜRK collection. A portion of the proceeds from each sale of Wurkin Stiffs product will be donated to ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer, to aid in their research and testing.

“With Father’s Day on the horizon, we wanted to use this event to make dads and all men think about the realities of prostate cancer,” said Martin. "We’re all juggling life’s responsibilities and unfortunately health can take a back seat. While this disease is in its early stages, there are no noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer. That’s a scary reality. Getting tested is critical and we’re delighted to be partnering with Würkin Stiffs and ZERO to get this message out.”

The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge Baltimore and Chesapeake Urology will be providing physicians for this event.

To learn more about Quintessential Gentleman, log onto their website at www.baltimorebarbershop.com.

Washington, DC - The United States Preventive Services Task Force has issued its final recommendation for early detection of prostate cancer, effectively eliminating the PSA test and leaving American men without a defense in the fight against prostate cancer.

"We are greatly disappointed by the decision to give the PSA test a "D" rating by United States Preventive Services Task Force,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer. “We believe that the decision, which eliminates men's access to potentially lifesaving information provided by a PSA test, should not be made by a government panel that doesn’t include a medical oncologist or urologist.”

The USPSTF rated PSA testing “D,” saying there is moderate or high certainty that the service has no net benefit or that the harms outweigh the benefits. This decision contradicts prostate cancer testing recommendations from medical and professional organizations, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Urological Association.

Since the decision by the USPSTF in 2009 to change prostate cancer testing recommendations for men over the age of 75, no new research has been cited that would call for a drastic change in prostate cancer testing recommendations for all men.

Recent research confirms that the PSA test saves lives. The results of the Göteborg Randomized Population-based Prostate Cancer Screening Trial, released in July 2010, showed a 44 percent decline in prostate cancer deaths as a result of PSA testing. In this Swedish study, partially funded by the National Cancer Institute, an analysis of some 20,000 men was conducted during a 14-year period.

The PSA test and advances in treatment have led to a 40 percent reduction in prostate cancer deaths since the mid-1990s, and 90 percent of all prostate cancers are now discovered before they spread outside the gland. The five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent when prostate cancer is detected early, while the tumor is still localized and hasn’t spread.

The decision on how best to test and treat for prostate cancer must be made between a man and his doctor and ZERO encourages men to continue to educate themselves and be active participants in their health care. In the absence of an improved test for the disease, ZERO believes that all men, especially those with risk factors, need to consider testing for prostate cancer in order to have the most information possible and make the best health decisions.

For more information on prostate cancer risk, testing and diagnosis, and treatment options, visit www.ZeroCancer.org.

Washington, DC - Join ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer for the inaugural National Golf-A-Thon on Father’s Day weekend, June 15-17 2012. Golfers can play any 9-hole or 18-hole golf course from any set of course tees in the world, based on their own schedule. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go toward prostate cancer awareness, research and testing.

“In addition to raising critical funds for prostate cancer research and testing, ZERO’s National Golf-A-Thon will raise awareness of prostate caner on the weekend when we celebrate the men that mean the most to us – our fathers,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO at ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer.

The Golf-A-Thon is open to all golfers, regardless of playing ability, gender or age. It is also both an individual and team competition. Participants play golf based on their own schedules on Father’s Day weekend and are in competition to see which team or individual can raise the most money. Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals or teams that raise the most money.

Funds are raised for ZERO—The Project to End Prostate Cancer through pledges on holes played. The more holes a participant plays on Father's Day weekend, the more money they generate to fight prostate cancer. Participants will collect pledges from sponsors for each hole played during the ZERO's Father's Day Golf-A-Thon. Signing up is easy and participants receive their own fundraising website to help seek donations from family and friends.

The team or individual raising the most money will win the grand prize trip to the Know Your Score Celebrity Golf Tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC, benefiting prostate cancer awareness, research and testing. The trip includes lodging for four at Pawleys Plantation in Myrtle Beach, SC, four tickets to the VIP celebrity reception, four entries into the celebrity golf tournament, and four tickets to the gala. The runners up will receive ZERO golf apparel. To learn more about Know Your Score, visit www.knowyourscoremb.com.

To register or learn more about ZERO’s National Father’s Day Golf-A-Thon, visit www.zerocancer.org/events/other/events/golfathon.

Washington, DC - More than 4,100 men in South Carolina will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, but there is hope through awareness and early detection. That’s why ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer has teamed up with Atlantic Urology Clinics and Carolina Regional Cancer Center to offer the Drive Against Prostate Cancer, the only nationwide mobile prostate cancer testing program.

Hundreds of men can be tested for FREE on May 18 and 19, 2012. The test consists of a simple blood test and a physical examination. Local physicians will provide this free and confidential testing in as little as 10 minutes without an appointment. Each man will receive a notification letter that explains the test results, a list of local resources for follow-up care, and additional health information.

“More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer. “Yearly testing is the key to early detection and successful treatment of the disease.”

There are no noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer while it is in the early stages, so testing is vitally important. The chances of a man getting prostate cancer are one in three with one close relative (father, brother) with the disease. The risk is 83 percent with two close relatives and 97 percent with three. African American men are at special risk for the disease, with the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world, one in four men. They are also 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease.

The FREE testing will be available to the public:

Only about 5% of men experience migraine, according to the Migraine Trust, while the incidence of erectile dysfunction is higher and depends on age, affecting about 5% of men younger than 40 and between 15% and 25% of those 65 and older. This new study is believed to be the first to show a relationship between migraine and impotence.

ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer is saddened to learn of the loss of Fred Gersh, a strong supporter of the fight against prostate cancer.

"The prostate cancer community has suffered the loss of a great man who worked tirelessly to fight this disease," said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO. "We can honor Fred's legacy by continuing to fight prostate cancer and supporting research to find the cure."

Fred’s wife Micki shared the following statement in an email:

"He had a long fight with the prostate cancer and I think in a way you could say he won since it has been 23 years since he was diagnosed. But he became ill 2 1/2 weeks ago, and after a stint at the hospital, he came home Tuesday to hospice care. He struggled to the end, but he looked peaceful after. And at least he is no longer in pain. Thanks to all of you for your friendship and support."

Fred was a strong advocate for prostate cancer, working with and through the Virginia Prostate Cancer Coalition, the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, Us TOO International, ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer, and most recently the Prostate Cancer Roundtable.

Standard treatment for men with prostate cancer includes surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, or both. However, even these aggressive measures do not guarantee elimination of cancer, as about 25% of treatment men experience recurrence of prostate cancer.