Father's Day Message from the American Cancer Society: Safeguard Dad's Health for Years to Come.

News Editors/Health/Medical Writers

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 15, 2004

This Father's Day, the American Cancer Society is encouraging dads and their families to increase the chance that they are together for future celebrations -- by scheduling simple exams that can save men's lives.

Prostate and colon cancers -- two of the leading cancer killers among men -- rarely have symptoms until they're advanced. "If you mix these stealth diseases with a man who seldom sees a doctor, you've got a recipe for health disaster," said Diane Fink, M.D., chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society's California Division.

The American Cancer Society urges you to remind your Dad to get a checkup. Call, write, visit, or send a "Father's Day E-Card," available on the American Cancer Society's Web site at www.cancer.org. The cards have heartwarming images of dads with their children and messages such as, "Your family wants a healthy dad for Father's Day," and "Moments like these are priceless. So is your health. Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer."

American men see a doctor for preventative health care only half as much as women, which means they could be missing out on important, lifesaving advances against cancer. Screening tests and exams, performed on schedule, can find certain tumors years before any symptoms arise, at a stage when treatments are most successful.

The most dramatic example of how screening saves lives may be colorectal cancer, which is expected to strike nearly 14,500 men and women in California this year. Routine exams can find this disease early, and even prevent it by identifying and removing growths called polyps before they become dangerous. The primary risk factor for the disease is age, with more than 90 percent of cases diagnosed in people over 50. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening for colon cancer for people age 50 or older.

Also in 2004, an estimated 22,265 California men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It's important for men to get the facts and talk with their doctors about their personal risk and whether testing is right for them. Some risk factors include age, ethnicity, and family history of prostate cancer. Tests for prostate cancer include the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and the digital rectal exam.

African American men are advised to talk with their doctors about prostate cancer screening at age 45. According to the American Cancer Society's California Cancer Facts and Figures 2004, African American men are at especially high risk of prostate cancer and are 65 percent more likely to develop this disease than white men.

In addition to regular cancer screenings, a healthy lifestyle is also the key to preventing and reducing the risk of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet high in plant-based foods and regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco or quitting smoking now are great ways to lower the risk for cancer and make sure dads are here for many future Father's Days.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society invites everyone to get involved with its signature event, Relay For Life, a community event that is held in more than 235 communities throughout California, raising a projected $23 million for the fight against cancer. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.