Chesapeake Urology Continues Push for Prostate Cancer Awareness
Patti LaBelle Concert, 5k Run, Black Church Screenings are among efforts
(BALTIMORE – September 4, 2008) – One of Maryland's premier urology practices, Chesapeake Urology Associates, P.A., is in the midst of a tremendous prostate cancer awareness campaign.
The Pikesville-based practice is under the tutelage of none other than Dr. Sanford “Sandy” Siegel, doctor to the famous – like former Baltimore Colts standout Lenny Moore – as well as the not so famous.
Committed and passionate about his work, Dr. Siegel has been toiling diligently on a major awareness initiative over the past two years to make sure that this all-important health issue is on the forefront. He and other experts insists that unlike women, men are less likely to see a doctor – particularly for a health matter such as prostate cancer. After all, it does involve investigation of a sensitive part of the body: the rectum.
Nonetheless, it is necessary.
Just ask Dick Wilcher.
“For me and the cancer I had, it was discovered through the PSA test,” said Wilcher, a patient at Chesapeake Urology.
”My PSA [Prostate-Specific Antigen] went from 1.4 to 4.4. By the time I was referred to a urologist, it went to 5.7. And, that was after only 6 weeks. I had the biopsy done and it came back cancerous.”
Boom! The “C” word!
But, Wilcher did not panic. He simply followed through with the prescribed treatment. Today, he is back to an otherwise good bill of health. And as a result of the experience, Wilcher has made it his business to encourage other men to stay on top of their health. One way he does this is by involving himself in a men’s support group at Chesapeake Urology.
“I participate in ‘Man to Man’ not so much for myself,” he stated. “I was diagnosed at 51 years of age. Statistically, chances of being diagnosed are about 1% at the age. Clearly, every man out there needs to get a PSA test done to establish a baseline for future reference, and also get a digital exam. The younger you are, the better one’s chances are for a full recovery.”
At Particular Risk: African American Men
According to Dr. Siegel’s campaign outreach specialist, Pat Schnably, “Black men are 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer than their white male counterparts. Further, they are nearly two and a half times more likely to die from the disease.
This startling statistic prompted Dr. Siegel, the founder of Chesapeake Urology, to do something major. Again, his work is his passion.
Over the last two years, he has engaged himself – immersed himself even – with the leadership of the black community. He’d ultimately like to lift prostate awareness for men to the level that breast cancer awareness is for women. Or higher!
So, Chesapeake Urology is bringing Patti LaBelle to Pier Six on Saturday, September 6th for a benefit concert. And, they are hosting their second annual 5k Run/Walk on Sunday, September 14th. Additionally, they are and they are hosting a series of black church screenings.
According to Dr. Siegel, “I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the donations and cooperation we have gotten thus far.”
He continued, ”Last year, with one week to go before the 5K event we had collected $65,000. Thus far we have collected or have committed over $250,000. This year is going to feature a tremendous series of events. As of today, we have 7 African-American churches collaborating with Chesapeake Urology to provide prostate cancer screenings at their churches for the community. This began on August 10th at Bethel AME and ends at The Empowerment Temple in October. We are also working with Radio One and the American Red Cross to have blood drives at these events. Further, we are holding osteoporosis screenings and will have children's health screening where we will do weights and blood pressures. And we are adding a cardiovascular screening component as heart disease is the number one killer among African-Americans. We are really working to make a positive difference and everyone’s help is needed.”
Dr. Siegel said that he has reached out to a litany of leaders, including Congressman Elijah Cummings, Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon, Rev. Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn, Rev. Dr. Harold Carter, Sr., and Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant.
Chesapeake Urology Associates, P.A., is the largest urology practice in Maryland, offering the most state-of-the-art urology care available nationwide. Composed of more than 40 of the mid-Atlantic region's top urologists, Chesapeake Urology features the convenience of 20 locations in and around Baltimore, ranging from Anne Arundel County to Cecil County. In addition, 12 of these locations contain ambulatory surgery centers, staffed by board-certified anesthesiologists. For more information, visit www.GreatProstateCancerChallenge.com.
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