Raising prostate cancer awareness

WWLP TV

Updated: Jun 29, 2012 8:26 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — Prostate cancer takes the life of an American man every 16 minutes, and African American men are 250% more at risk for developing it than other men.

Both U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) and State Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) are prostate cancer survivors. Because of early detection, they were able to treat it in its early stages.

That is why the two lawmakers are raising awareness of the disease and advocating for more aggressive medical research to improve early detection. Advocates say prostate cancer is the second most lethal cancer among men.

Brewer told 22News that men diagnosed with the disease need to remain positive. “Take inspiration, it is scary as hell, but it is a livable issue that we can win,” he said.

David Smith, coordinator for the Men of Color Health Alliance (MOCHA) says that it’s vital that people with prostate cancer get the help that they need.

“Get to the doctor as soon as possible, don’t be afraid. You know, it’s understandable that you might not have health insurance, but there’s community-based places where you can go and you can get information,” Smith said.

Men are welcome to find out more about prostate cancer at a MOCHA prostate cancer seminar being held Monday, July 2 at 7:30 at the Scantic Valley YMCA on Boston Road in Wilbraham. Call (413) 596-2749 to register.

At the seminar, you can found out how and where to get tested for prostate cancer, even if you don’t have health insurance.

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