Early Detection Can Save Your Life!

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness month.  It is a time set aside to increase awareness about this important issue.  The American Cancer Society estimates that this year, more than 240,000 new case of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States.  Nearly 30,000 men will die of prostate cancer.  Roughly 1 in 6 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime (1 and 7 in Canada). 

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in American men.  Despite these statistics, there is hope.  With early detection and treatment men can live happy, healthy and long lives.  In fact, more than 2.5 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.

 

Typically, prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men.  In fact, nearly two thirds are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older and it is rare before age 40.  The average age at the time is diagnosis is 67.  At the age of 49, Dan Hennessey was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  With the help of early treatment and detection, the support of his physician, family and community, Dan is cancer-free today. 

During his prostate cancer journey, Dan began to write as way to express his thoughts and feelings about his prognosis.  His writings evolved into a book, “With the Snap of a Glove,” in which he shares the vulnerable, human side of prostate cancer and its impact on relationships in his life.  A Canadian resident, Dan considers prostate cancer a global issue and is determined to spread his message all over the world. 

Passionate about creating awareness, Dan contacted the YMCA of Central Ohio recently to share his story and to ask for our support promoting awareness about early detection and treatment.   Across the nation and in countries all over the world, the Y is a leading force on health and well-being.  At the Y, we believe that practicing and supporting healthy lifestyles means more than just simply being active.  It’s about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body.  We are also committed to creating awareness about important issues that impact our community.

Recognizing the impact prostate cancer has on families, Dan created a video to encourage dialogue between teens and their parents and to promote awareness to a new generation.  We hope this video will help stimulate dialogue in your homes about this preventable disease.  More importantly, we hope that it will help to save a life.

Thank you Dan for sharing your journey with us, and we hope that it will inspire you!