Prostate Cancer
Baptist Cancer Institute, Jaguars Maurice Williams Team Up to Stop Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men, with more than 30,000 men losing their lives to the disease each year. That does not have to be the case. If caught early enough, prostate cancer is treatable.

The Baptist Cancer Institute, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the National Football League (NFL) and the Prostate Cancer Education Council are teaming up to help increase awareness of this deadly disease and to promote screening and early detection.

"All men need to be educated on the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer and I am proud to partner with the Baptist Cancer Institute and the Prostate Cancer Education Council on getting the word out," says Maurice Williams, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle.

The Center for Prostate Cancer will hold a free prostate cancer screening from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20th and October 25th.   Screenings will be held by appointment only. Baptist Cancer Institute physicians and Baptist Health urologists will conduct the screenings and are donating their time. For locations and to make an appointment, call the Prostate Care Line at (904) 202-CARE (2273).

Men aged 45 and older are at risk for prostate cancer and the risk increases with age. African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer are at the highest risk for developing the disease. Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, but some possible symptoms include:

• weak or interrupted flow of urine
• inability to urinate or difficult in beginning to urinate
• need to urinate frequently
• blood in urine or semen
• continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs

"Prostate cancer is nearly 100 percent survivable. Maurice Williams and the Jacksonville Jaguars are helping to raise awareness of the fact that with early detection and treatment, it can be survived. By doing this, they are aiding us in saving lives," says Douglas Johnson, MD, chief of staff, Baptist Medical Center Downtown.

To find out more about prostate cancer and the Baptist Cancer Institute, click on the topics listed on the left side of this web page.

Do Your Part - Support the PACE Race The 2005 Jacksonville PACE Race will be held Saturday, September 24 at 6 p.m. at the Baptist Cancer Institute (1235 San Marco Boulevard). The event consists of a 5K run and walk, with proceeds going to raise awareness and funding to fight prostate cancer on a local and national basis. Sign up now to either participate in the race or support someone who is. Click on the link below to get additional information and to register. http://www.pacerace.org/schedule