Prostate Cancer

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As a two-time cancer survivor, it is a priority for me to help raise public awareness about early cancer detection and the importance of regular health maintainence. I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 1999 and underwent surgery (a radical prostatectomy, removal of the prostate) in January 2000. Five years later, in February 2005, the cancer returned. I started an eight-week regimen of radiation treatment at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, for prostate cancer recurrence. My doctors recommended that I undertake the treatment following a series of test results that indicate cancerous cells may be present. As I have so often advised others, I had undergone regular check-ups and testing since the surgery in January 2000, and it was through those tests that the concerns were discovered.

Once again, it has been brought home to me how important it is that we follow doctors' advice and take advantage of the early detection and diagnosis options available. I continue to have regular check-ups and so far the results remain positive.

What You Can Do

Having twice battled prostate cancer, I know how important it is to help provide Idahoans with information about the disease. Early detection is the key to successfully fighting many forms of cancer. For that reason, beginning in 2001, I sponsored the Mike Crapo Health Awareness booths held in partnership with the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation at regional fairs in the state. The booths provide cancer screening tests as well as glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol checks. We began at the Western Idaho Fair in Boise and administered more than 200 PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests and more than 800 cholesterol screening tests during the ten days of operation. Now, five years and over 2000 prostate exams later, I have heard from a number of Idahoans who credit those tests with saving their lives. Some men have undergone treatment for prostate cancer as a result while others have adjusted their lifestyles to accommodate high cholesterol readings and blood pressure checks. It is vital that men over the age of 50 be tested for prostate cancer. It is also important that women over 40 receive yearly mammograms.

In 2002, I was fortunate to expand the booths to three other regional fairs: the Eastern Idaho State Fair, the Twin Falls County Fair and the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo. In addition to prostate cancer tests, cholesterol screenings will be available at all four fairs. Mammograms and breast cancer screenings are available at select sites.

Partners in Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Efforts

The partnerships between the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, regional medical centers, Wal-Mart and other local health providers combined with generous corporate funding from Pfizer, Amgen and others have allowed us to bring free prostate exams as well as free and reduced-cost breast cancer screenings across the state. After four successful years, I continue to strongly encourage mature men and women to take advantage of this service and have these important screenings done; it could save your life.

Sponsoring and assisting organizations and hospitals include:

· American Association of Clinical Urologists
· American Cancer Society
· Amgen
· Bannock Regional Medical Center, Pocatello
· Bristol-Myers Squibb
· Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
· Diagnostic Products Corporation, Boise
· Family Health Services of Twin Falls
· Kootenai Medical Center, Coeur d’Alene
· Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, Twin Falls
· Novartis
· Pfizer
· PhRMA
· Qwest
· Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center/Cancer Research Center, Boise
· Saint Alphonsus Laboratory, Boise
· St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute, Boise and Twin Falls
· Treasure Valley Laboratories, Boise

I strongly encourage mature men and women to take advantage of this service and have these important screenings done. It could save your life.

Useful Links

Senate Resolution 552- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Celeberation on the Hill 2006- sponsored by American Cancer Society
Senator Crapo visits Health Awareness booth during Eastern Idaho State Fair
RECORD TURNOUTS, LEGISLATION HELP CANCER EFFORT
FAIR TIME: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HEALTH
Senator visits Health Awareness Booth during Twin Falls County Fair
Senator joins fellow cancer survivor at fair health booth

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