Brooklyn, MI, June 15, 2008 – 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 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 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 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