Media Contact:
Rod Schecter
Public Relations Director
Foundation for Cancer Research & Education
434.974.1303 ext 2
ebronis@earthlink.net

For Immediate Release:

National Conference on Prostate Cancer 2005 in the Nation's Capital:
Endorsement from Colin Powell

Charlottesville, VA, March 24, 2005: The Foundation For Cancer Research & Education (FCRE) and Us Too International are proud to announce the National Conference on Prostate Cancer 2005: Exploring New Pathways - Sharing the Journey, June 16-19 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Moderated by world-renowned oncologist and prostate cancer survivor Dr. Charles "Snuffy" Myers, the National Conference on Prostate Cancer 2005 promises to be an indispensable resource for prostate cancer patients, their loved ones, and savvy health professionals.

With an endorsed personal narrative from former Secretary of State and prostate cancer survivor Colin Powell to be read during the meeting, the National Conference on Prostate Cancer 2005 also hopes to increase prostate cancer awareness by putting a powerful face on this disease.

"In any military or other vital campaign, power comes from knowledge or vigilance," says Powell. "This is especially true in the protracted war against prostate cancer."

The National Conferences on Prostate Cancer were created to give a voice to men with this disease, but, more importantly, to provide men with the vital educational tools to help them live longer and improve the quality of their lives. With over twenty experts on the agenda this three and a half day conference offers vital information and support to patients at any stage of the disease, as well as to health professionals wishing to explore the ins and outs of treating it. In addition, Us TOO support group leaders will be creating "caring and information sharing" opportunities during the conference to allow patients and their loved ones to become familiar with support groups and the benefit they can have on quality of life for both men and their family members.

With diverse topics ranging from the uPM3 test for diagnosing prostate cancer to the use of Combidex MRI to locate cancer in lymph nodes, this conference will provide the most cutting-edge information available on all of the issues facing today's prostate cancer patient.

"Nowhere else can you get this much information from so many reliable sources," says Dr. Myers. "And nowhere else can you share in the supportive energy of so many survivors. Whether you've just been diagnosed or are suffering from treatment side effects, this is THE conference to attend."

To support early detection and advocacy, the National Conference on Prostate Cancer 2005 will also make free PSA tests available to both conference participants and community residents who do not attend. Despite the controversy over this test, there is a large consensus that believes early prostate cancer detection means more treatment options and higher success rates.

Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men. Recent statistics from the American Cancer Society estimate that there will be approximately 232,090 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2005 and that 30,350 men will die of this disease-that's one death every 17.5 minutes. However, prostate cancer is highly treatable and recent advances are consistently proving that a prostate cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence.

While many of the newest treatments are highly effective, there is still no cure. It is a sad truth, however, that many men remain unaware of the treatment options available to them. All of the participants in this conference sincerely believe that is only through excellence in education that patients get the information they desperately need to become empowered and ultimately survive. Registration for the National Conference on Prostate Cancer 2005 is $50 per person until April 15 and $75 thereafter. For conference details or to register or call 310-743-2117.

On the value of this conference, participating radiation oncologist Dr. Michael Dattoli adds, "Having learned the lessons of those before him, it is the informed patient who is most likely to beat the cancer odds."

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The Foundation for Cancer Research and Education (FCRE) is dedicated to educating cancer patients about prevention and treatment in the context of their overall health. With science based on the most well designed research protocols, FCRE's goal is to prolong patients' lives by making them active participants in their own treatment. For more information or for a list of FCRE's outreach programs call 800-305-2432 or go to www.cancer-foundation.org.

Us TOO is a not-for-profit organization providing information, counseling and educational meetings to assist men with prostate disease (and their spouses / partners) in making decisions about their treatment with confidence and support. Us TOO chapter meetings are free and open to newly diagnosed patients, patients currently in their treatment regimen, survivors, family members, friends and healthcare professionals interested in prostate disease. For questions go to 800-808-7866 or log on at www.ustoo.org

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