WARRIORS AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER
CHRISTIANA CARE HEALTH SYSTEM
Wilmington, Delaware
Prostate cancer is the most common major cancer occurring in men today and the second leading cause of cancer death of African American men in the United States. African American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer. One out of every six men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime and have twice the mortality rate of other men. Delaware is ranked 10th highest in the nation in prostate cancer mortality and the cancer incidence rate is 78 percent higher in blacks than all other men.
Trial data indicates with less than 1 percent participation rates among African American men, the current approach to recruitment into prostate cancer screening is not effective. Efforts must be based where African American men normally congregate within the community. Consequently, at Christiana Care, a special volunteer group called the “Warriors Against Prostate Cancer” was formed in March of 1997. Under the direction of the Community Health and Education Program of the Helen F. Graham Canter Center these men are making a difference!
Now ten men meet bi-monthly on a volunteer basis to identify barriers to screening in their communities as well as to find ways to spread the message of the importance of prostate cancer screening to other at-risk men.
The volunteers have completed mandatory training including specialized instruction on prostate cancer awareness. To date, the volunteers have donated over 10,000 hours of service to improve the health in our community.
Currently, increased participation in early detection screening programs, with diagnosis of the disease at an early stage, offers the best opportunity for successful treatment of prostate cancer. These volunteers are offering men this opportunity. Their efforts are relentless and their work commendable.
Some of their volunteer work includes the following:
· The volunteers continually circulate culturally sensitive informational material regarding Prostate and Colon Cancer Screening.
· The volunteers use one-on-one contacts with friends and co-workers to discuss prostate and colon cancer awareness.
· The volunteers work at Prostate Cancer Awareness information tables at many local events each year --- Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Caribbean Festival, Riverfront Blues Festival, and the Hispanic Festival.
· They also participate in other community events—health programs conducted in Federally Qualified Health Centers and in faith-based communities. They participated in 29 events in just one year!
· The volunteers are working in close collaboration with the American Cancer Society’s Let’s Talk About It Program, which is an informational program on Prostate Cancer Risk, Detection, and Treatment.
Warriors Against Prostate Cancer, Christiana Care Health System Page 2
· The volunteers compiled a list of churches and organizations. It is their hope to spread this important message to those in the high-risk population.
· Active participation in the Men’s Health and Cancer Conference in partnership with the American Cancer Society.
· Several of them have participated in radio, cable television and newspaper interviews.
· The Warriors also play a key role in the Annual Prostate Screening held at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware. This year, 62 percent of participants that were screened were African American. Their presence allays fears, provides security, and instills trust in the participants.
Several of the Warriors have developed their own innovative approaches to promoting this important message. One volunteer is a barber and incorporates his message to men (and women) during their salon visit. Another is a retired auto worker who spends many hours promoting health among the retirement community. Another is a limousine driver who speaks to his clients and has distributed materials at community events using the limousine. And still another is a retired football coach who has distributed flyers at the University of Delaware football games.
These committed men have been instrumental in increasing our participation in early detection and prevention efforts. These individuals represent a special group. They are advocates to others who are at risk for cancer and can be helped by early detection and prevention. The success of these “warriors” demonstrates that with support and guidance, outreach activities can benefit the community.
This group of volunteers recognized a need in their community and have worked tirelessly to improve the health and well being of men at risk . . . on many occasions by helping one man at a time! The Warriors Against Prostate Cancer have proved to be dynamic and energetic. We are sure that with their assistance, we will be able to make an impact on the mortality rate from prostate cancer in our state!
Date: July 5, 2007
Contact: Margarita Rodriguez-Duffy, Manager
Volunteer and Student Administration
Christiana Care Health System
4755 Ogletown-Stanton RD
Newark, DE 19718
Telephone: (302) 733-1284
E-Mail Address: