- Champion Driver Kyle Petty Urges Men Over 50 To Take "Kyle Petty's
Prostate Inspection Pledge" -
BROOKLYN, Mich., June 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Car racing runs in
the Petty family, handed down from NASCAR great Lee to his son Richard and
grandson Kyle. But like too many American families, so does prostate
cancer. To encourage prostate cancer screening and if diagnosed, to
assemble a multidisciplinary crew of experts to include a medical
oncologist, NASCAR champion Kyle Petty is driving a national program
debuting Father's Day Weekend, June 14 and 15, at the LifeLock 400 NASCAR
Race in Brooklyn, Michigan. Petty is out in front as spokesperson for the
STAY ON TRACK for Better Prostate Health prostate cancer awareness program,
sponsored by the Prostate Cancer Education Council (PCEC) and
sanofi-aventis.
"Prostate cancer affected both my dad and grandfather, I am nearly four
times as likely to be diagnosed with this disease, and a yearly screening
is particularly important," says Petty. "I wanted to help steer this
program to emphasize the need for men to get checked for prostate cancer
and if diagnosed, assemble their own "pit crew" of professionals --
including a medical oncologist along with a urologist -- to get them back
on the road."
Prostate cancer is a serious health concern for men, killing more than
28,000 American men each year. Awareness of the risks associated with the
disease and the value of early treatment can help equip men with tools to
prevent more serious problems. The Stay on Track program encourages men age
50 or older or those at risk for prostate cancer, to go every year for
prostate cancer screening, and if diagnosed, to enlist a team of
oncologists and other professionals.
"By consulting with both a medical and radiation oncologist along with
a urologist, men with prostate cancer may optimize their care," said Robert
Dreicer, MD, FACP, Chairman of the Department of Solid Tumor Oncology at
the Cleveland Clinic and Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic
Lerner College of Medicine. "I work very closely with my colleagues on a
multidisciplinary treatment team to explore all available options,
including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy."
In honor of Father's Day, Kyle encourages all men to take the "Kyle
Petty's Prostate Inspection Pledge" -- to make a pit stop at the doctor for
their annual screening, and if diagnosed to recruit a multidisciplinary
team of professionals that includes a medical oncologist along with a
urologist. Men can take the pledge Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 at
the PCEC and sanofi-aventis tent in the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza at the
Michigan International Speedway or by visiting the PCEC Web site at
http://www.pcaw.com. For every pledge, sanofi-aventis will donate a dollar to PCEC
to support prostate education. The number of pledges and total funds
donated will be announced by PCEC during Prostate Cancer Awareness Week,
September 14-20, 2008.
To personally drive home the need to pay attention to the prostate,
Kyle will be at the Stay on Track tent autographing copies of the free
educational manual: "STAY ON TRACK For Better Prostate Health." Developed
to help men ask their doctor for directions on maintaining prostate health,
the manual cautions of the warning signs for prostate cancer, advises
routine maintenance, and guides on how to assemble a multidisciplinary pit
crew of specialized medical pros if repairs are needed. The manual is also
available on the PCEC website and by calling 1-866-321-3114.
"Taking care of your body is much like taking care of your car --
regular maintenance can help prevent more serious issues," said Wendy
Poage, M.H.A., Executive Director, PCEC. "We are proud to partner with
sanofi-aventis and PCEC on this important initiative to help men with
prostate cancer be active members of their team, not passive passengers."
Petty noted, "As an advocate in his own treatment, my dad always took
the wheel. After learning he had prostate cancer, he enlisted not just a
urologist at a major hospital but also a medical oncologist in the
multidisciplinary treatment team of professionals. As his family, we were
also part of his support team, cheering him on to the finish line."
"Please encourage your dad to take the Petty Prostate Inspection
Pledge," says Petty. "And if you are a man over 50 or like me have a family
history, I hope you'll consider riding sidecar to the doctor for your own
checkup. I do every year."
Prostate Cancer
Thanks to improvements in diagnosis and treatment, close to two million
men in the United States are prostate cancer survivors. Research has shown
that a multidisciplinary approach -- particularly a close collaboration
between urologist and oncologist -- is helping patients live longer with a
better quality-of-life.
Prostate Cancer Education Council
A national organization committed to men's health, the Prostate Cancer
Education Council (PCEC) is dedicated to saving lives through awareness and
the education of men, the women in their lives, as well as the medical
community about prostate cancer prevalence, the importance of early
detection, and available treatment options, as well as other men's health
issues. The Council -- comprised of a consortium of leading physicians,
health educators, scientists and prostate cancer advocates -- aims to
conduct nationwide screenings for men and perform research that will aid in
the detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers,
develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of
everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York
(NYSE: SNY).
Contact:
Wendy Poage
Prostate Cancer Education Council
303.316.4685
Stephanie Stamatakou
sanofi-aventis
908-981-6127
SOURCE sanofi-aventis
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Related links:
http://www.sanofi-aventis.us
http://www.sanofi-aventis.com http://www.pcaw.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/232375.html /
CONTACT:
Wendy Poage of Prostate Cancer Education
Council, +1-303-316-4685, or Stephanie Stamatakou of
sanofi-aventis, +1-908-981-6127
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