Prostate Health Project

HERC's Prostate Health Project motivates men living in the Bayview, Hunters Point, and Ocean View/ Merced/Ingleside communities of San Francisco to become actively involved in their own health care, both as consumers and as advocates. Beginning with a targeted focus on prostate cancer, the project strives to develop a community-based approach to preventive health care as a way to improve men's overall health and well-being. The Prostate Health Project <p>Men and Prostate Cancer: Thousands of lives, including yours, could be affected by prostate cancer.  It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States (among men overall and among African American men.) According to the American Cancer Society, among all ethnic and racial groups in the U.S., African American men have the highest prostate cancer mortality rate.  However... </p> <p>Most men can survive prostate cancer if it is detected early.  By spreading the word about early detection of prostate cancer and making some healthy lifestyle changes, you will be taking crucial steps toward maintaining your health and helping others in your community stay healthy and aware.</p> <p>When prostate cancer is caught early, it is one of the most treatable of all cancers. Being diagnosed with prostate cancer no longer has to be a tragedy; in fact, when detected and treated early, many men continue to live long and healthy lives following treatment.  By taking some time to learn more about prostate cancer, men diagnosed with the disease can take charge of their lives and overcome any fear or anxiety that may accompany a prostate cancer diagnosis.</p> <p>The Prostate Health Project is designed to:<br> Raise community awareness about prostate cancer,<br> Increase screening rates, especially among African American men,<br> Increase long term survival through early diagnosis,<br> Develop community consciousness about preventive health,<br> Increase the number of African American men participating in clinical trials,<br> Provide support for men diagnosed and living with prostate cancer,<br> Develop a community health agenda.</p> <p>Services include:<br> Testing referrals,<br> Monthly support group,<br> Offsite workshop trainings,<br> Resources - books, videos, brochures,<br> Speakers bureau,<br> Internet accessibility,<br> Second opinion referrals,<br> Prostate Cancer Awareness Workshops.</p> <p>So even if you have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, take heart. You will have many decisions to make, but you will have plenty of company. Ultimately, there is a good chance your cancer will be cured or controlled. Most men die with, not of, prostate cancer.<br> </p>