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THE MAN RUN and prostate cancer

Published: Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Prostate cancer patient’s survival reminds of early detection importance; THE MAN RUN raises funds

It is estimated that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. An alarming statistic that affects all men and their families in our community. Bob Spining knows all too well about prostate cancer. A father, grandfather and husband, Bob also is a prostate cancer survivor. Like many men, Bob had routine yearly physicals by his primary care physician with the usual battery of questions and blood tests such as prostate specific antigen (PSA).
During a colon cancer screening performed by his gastroenterologist at age 50, Bob received shocking news. During his digital rectal exam (DRE), a test routinely administered to detect colon as well as prostate abnormalities, Bob’s gastroenterologist delivered the news, “Bob, your prostate has a nodule.” In men, the prostate sits close to the outside wall of the colon and is easily palpated through a digital examination.

Bob had a biopsy that revealed that he did indeed have prostate cancer. His medical team acted swiftly to combat his cancer. Bob’s prostate cancer was detected early, and he is now a 5-year survivor of this preventable disease that will claim close to 700 lives this year in Tennessee. Bob’s passion and commitment to prostate cancer awareness has taken him to many community organizations, churches and businesses as he shares his story of survivorship and educates men and women on the importance of early detection and prevention of prostate cancer.

Cancer screening guidelines can be confusing with different organizations and research supporting varying recommendations. The University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute continues to recommend men have a PSA and DRE yearly starting at the age of 50 or at the age of 45 if of African American descent or if there is a first-line relative who had prostate cancer. In 2010, more than 4,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Tennessee.

Bob has now taken on a new role as the Chair of THE MAN RUN, an annual awareness event that honors those with prostate cancer and supports prostate cancer education and free screenings for men in East Tennessee. The 3rd Annual THE MAN RUN will be held on Aug. 28 on the UT Medical Center campus. THE MAN RUN is a family event where every entry provides free prostate cancer screening and education programs in East Tennessee.

For more information on THE MAN RUN, please visit manrun.org. To find out about our free prostate cancer screenings, please call 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737)

To recognize Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Institute will offer free prostate screenings at various locations throughout August and September. Click here for information about the free prostate cancer screenings. 

 

Join us also for THE MAN RIDE to help raise awareness about prostate cancer. Click here to register online for this motorcyle ride.