President Obama designates September 2010 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

ZERO's Summit to End Prostate Cancer Brings Prostate Cancer Researchers, Survivors, Advocates and Lawmakers to Washington D.C.

On August 31, President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation designating September 2010 as 'National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month," stating: "Until we find a cure for this disease, my Administration will continue promoting awareness of this illness and supporting prostate cancer research and treatment."

To celebrate National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, ZERO -- The Project to End Prostate Cancer is hosting the 2010 'Summit to End Prostate Cancer' on September 14-16 in Washington D.C.  The Summit focuses on effective strategies for increasing the Federal investment in prostate cancer research, promotes community involvement and advocacy for prostate cancer awareness and education, and gives attendees an opportunity to speak with their elected officials about these issues.

"The Summit brings together people from across the U.S. who share one goal: ending prostate cancer. But in order for the prostate cancer community to accomplish this goal – we need Federal support," said Skip Lockwood, ZERO's CEO.

"Breast cancer affects 1 in every 8 women – while prostate cancer strikes 1 in every 6 men. Yet, there are significantly more federal dollars, more attention, and more support for breast cancer research. Prostate cancer needs to be an equally important national public health priority."

Featured speakers at this year's Summit include:

The Honorable Dr. S. Ward Casscells – Vice President for External Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

Dr. Carolyn J.M. Best – Program Manager, Department of Defense's Prostate Cancer Research Program

Dr. Stanley Frencher – Academic Liaison, Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program

Adam Garone – Co-founder and CEO of 'Movember' – a month-long celebration of the moustache held in November each year, to highlight men's health issues like prostate cancer.

The National Anthem will be performed by Charlie Wilson, former lead singer of The Gap Band and a prostate cancer survivor. On Tuesday, September 14, ZERO will partner with Prostate Cancer Foundation, Prostate Health Education Network, and Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program for the 'Advance on Washington' Press Conference to address the discovery of 24 different types of prostate cancer and how to determine if patients have an aggressive or indolent form of cancer.