Bridgewater, NJ, September 17, 2008 – NASCAR great Kyle Petty is headed toward the finish line during Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, having ably steered the STAY ON TRACK for Better Prostate Health prostate cancer awareness program sponsored by the Prostate Cancer Education Council (PCEC) and sanofi-aventis. Since Father’s Day, Kyle has driven hundreds of men and family friends to take “Kyle Petty’s Prostate Inspection Pledge” to go for annual screenings and if diagnosed, to assemble a multidisciplinary pit crew of healthcare experts. Sanofi-aventis also took a pledge to promote prostate health; for every “Kyle Petty’s Inspection Pledge” submitted, the company is donating $1.00 to PCEC.
“With Kyle behind the wheel, the STAY ON TRACK program drove thousands of men to follow his lead and take his pledge to go for annual screenings and if diagnosed consult with a multidisciplinary treatment team,” said Wendy Poage, President, PCEC. “Because of sanofi-aventis’ commitment to making a difference in prostate cancer, all those pledges translate into a generous donation of $25,000 to PCEC to help educate more men about their risks for prostate cancer and for those who are diagnosed, the importance of seeing a medical oncologist along with a urologist and radiation oncologist to explore treatment options.”
A third-generation NASCAR driver, Kyle’s interest in STAY ON TRACK for Better Prostate Health was sparked by his own family history. Both his father Richard Petty and grandfather Lee have battled prostate cancer.
“Unfortunately, race car driving isn’t the only thing that runs in my family. Because both my dad and grandfather have had prostate cancer I am nearly four times as likely to be diagnosed with this disease,” says Petty. “I go for an annual check-up, and I am taking part in this program to encourage other men to get checked for prostate cancer and if diagnosed, to assemble their own “pit crew” of professionals – including a medical oncologist along with a urologist and radiologist oncologist – 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.
“I work very closely with my colleagues on a multidisciplinary treatment team to explore all available options, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy” 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.. “By consulting with both a medical and radiation oncologist along with a urologist, men with prostate cancer may optimize their care.”
Petty noted, “my dad is a driver, not a passenger. When his prostate did not pass inspection during an annual check-up, he enlisted not just a urologist but also a medical oncologist as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.”
“Working with Kyle on this program, I’ve learned that behind every winning race car is a pit crew of specialized professionals for regular tune-ups and repairs,” said Ms. Poage. “Maintaining your prostate health requires the same consistent care. “With support from sanofi-aventis for patient education, PCEC is equipped to further help men STAY ON TRACK.”
As part of the campaign, PCEC offers a 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 team if repairs are needed. The manual is available on the PCEC website and by calling 1-866-321-3114.
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 Awareness Week is the perfect time to pay attention to your prostate health,” says Petty. “I hope you will join me in taking “Kyle Petty’s Prostate Inspection Pledge”. But please keep your promise to see your doctor for that tune-up. And if diagnosed, assemble your own pit crew of specialized professionals.”
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
nation wide 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