Excluding all types of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indiana men and is the second leading cause of cancer death for men (after lung cancer); but it is also one of the most survivable with early detection and treatment.
African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than any other ethnic group and they are more than twice as likely to die from the disease as Caucasian men.
To help raise awareness and to kick-off September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Running for the Boys 10K and 5K Run/Walk will be Aug. 31 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St. Registration begins at 7 a.m.; a stretch/warm up will start at 7:30 a.m. and the run/walk begins at 8 a.m.
The Running for the Boys 10K and 5K Run/Walk was created to raise awareness about prostate health and the importance of testing for the early detection of prostate cancer. In cooperation with the Marion County Health Department (MCHD) H.E.P.T. (Health Education Promotion and Training) Program, the Rev. Charles Williams Prostate Cancer Mobile Unit will be onsite to provide information about the disease and conduct free testing.
Created in 2005, the Rev. Charles R. Williams Prostate Cancer Mobile Unit conducted more than 800 screenings during its first year of existence, and actively continues to provide at no cost both testing procedures needed to detect prostate cancer (prostate specific antigen (PSA) screenings and digital rectal exams) in men across the state.
Proceeds from the inaugural Running for the Boys 10K and 5K Run/Walk will be donated to MCHD to support the operations, maintenance, testing, and educational services offered.
Early bird registration is $20 before Aug. 18; regular registration is $30. To register online or to donate, visit RunningForTheBoys.com.
