On Saturday, September 13, 2008, ReGenesis Community Health Center will hold a Prostate Education Seminar for any man interested in gaining more knowledge about prostate cancer. The seminar will be held at ReGenesis Community Health Center located at 750 S. Church St. and will begin at 11 a.m.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and incidence rates are significantly higher in African American men than in white men. It is estimated that 28,066 men in the US will die of prostate cancer in 2008, 420 in South Carolina alone, making it the leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, ethnicity and family history of the disease. African American men and Jamaican men of African descent have the highest prostate cancer incidence in the world. About 64% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are age 65 or older.

Prevention and early detection are critical in the treatment of any cancer. If prostate cancer is detected in the early stages, the 5 year survival rate is close to 100%.

Peter Roberts, a local cancer survivor, will be the guest speaker during the seminar.

Roberts, who lives in Lyman, was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer in May of 2003. He wasn't expected to survive past that first Christmas. He is now a tireless advocate for prostate cancer awareness and talks frequently with church and community groups. He volunteers with the Cancer Action Network as the ACT Lead for Congressional District 4 and can be reached at peterlroberts@ charter.net

"Our goal is to educate. With just a little bit of knowledge about prostate cancer could save a life," said Buffy Henson, director of community health education at ReGenesis, "Holding seminars, like this one, allows us to get critical information out to the community, especially to individuals who do not have access to the information."

If you would like more information about the free prostate education seminar, please call (864) 582-2411.

If you plan on attending the seminar, please call (864) 582- 2411 ext. 2338 to register.