Prosstep'n For Cancer

Disproportionately Afrikan-American Males are at the highest risk of occurrences of prostate cancer than any other Males in the entire world. Unfortunately, they are also the least informed and have access to inferior health care, information and treatment options. Consequently resulting in a higher mortality rate, more cases of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction and an overall interrupted lifestyle.

I was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer as a result of a routine physical exam which included the DRE and PSA test. After engaging in extensive research prior to choosing my treatment (Proton Beam Radiation) it dawned on me that we� Afrikan-American Males, were experiencing an epidemic of diagnoses and having no idea of what to do? And in most cases acting out of fear in making our decisions instead of being fully and properly informed. My goal is to change that.

I became an Advocate/Speaker through Progressive Institute of Health Education and Training an organization funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health - Minority Health Services, I have become fully involved in organizing, planning, coordinating, promoting and facilitating a number of workshops and symposiums in the Chicago area.

Prosstep'n for Cancer was conceived due to an urgent need to reach a vast majority of Afrikan-American Males, I concluded that we must reach them where they congregate� partaking in their favorite past time� "Steppin'".

An estimated $3 Billion annually is spent on HIV Aids research, $900 million on Breast cancer research compared to approximately $438 million on Prostate cancer research. Traditionally, health issues are not a normal part of the daily conversations among most Afrikan-American Males. The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is considered among the most humiliating exams that a Black Man could ever experience and therefore not an annual practice as it should be. Early screening and treatment is the key to survival and can only be brought about through a heightened awareness campaign. Susan G. Komen and several other women's organizations continue to raise funds, spread awareness and provide information and dialogue for breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment nationally.

It is my desire to develop Prosstep'n for Cancer into a National organization collaborating with Steppers organizations nationwide to spread the message to Brothers that would help them to better understand the impact that prostate cancer can and is having on the lives of 1 out of every 6 men.

I hope to further instill in them the need to schedule an appointment for early screening, perhaps take a closer look at their diets and to begin engaging in more informative dialogue on the subject. For those who may unfortunately find themselves to be positively diagnosed, our goal is to develop a national support hotline and website to provide current treatment options, comparative statistics, housing and financial assistance information and dietary changes that may impact their condition.

For more information on my journey through treatment visit Prostate Cancer And The Afrikan American Male - One Man's Journey

Al Brown
Progressive Institute of Health Education And Training
773 351-5463
albrown4sure@yahoo.com

Al Brown Speaks Out On Prostate Cancer And The Afrikan-American Male - One Man's Journey

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Reprinted from GIANT Mag Mar 23, 2009
http://giantmag.com/articles/charlie-wilson-talks-about-new-music-and-cancer/

Al Brown Speaks Out On "Prostate Cancer And The Afrikaan-American Male - One Man's Journey"
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