RCOG Supports Statewide License Plate Initiative to – BUILD PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS IN GEORGIA

ATLANTA (July 16, 2010) – Second only to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. In 2009, there were an estimated 192,280 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. and more than 5,000 new cases in Georgia.  According to the American Cancer Society, Georgia ranks 6^th in highest estimated deaths caused by prostate cancer with approximately 800 deaths in 2009. Prostate cancer is a serious concern for the state of Georgia and Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia (RCOG), a center of excellence in radiation treatment for cancer, is proud to support the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition in their statewide license plate initiative to build prostate cancer awareness.

“When detected early, prostate cancer is curable,” said Philip Shrake, M.D., Medical Director of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia – Gwinnett County. “Prostate cancer awareness is an important issue. Men should consider PSA (prostate specific antigen) screenings, a simple blood test, by age 45 — earlier if there a family history. Becoming aware of your treatment options and undergoing regular prostate cancer screenings with both PSA testing and a DRE (digital rectal exam) is important.”

The license plate initiative is dedicated to building awareness throughout the state. $25,000 is needed to create a special Prostate Cancer specific license plate for residents of Georgia so Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia is partnering with the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition to help raise funds. 

“In support of this initiative, RCOG is hosting a ‘Prostate Cancer Awareness’ Motorcycle Ride,” said Dr. Shrake. “Proceeds will go to Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition and the license plate initiative. We hope to have a large group of prostate cancer survivors, patients and supporters join us Sept. 25, 2010 rain or shine, to ride from Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell, GA.”

The registration is $25 for each motorcycle rider (and includes a t-shirt) and $10 for each passenger. For more information and to register, contact Toni Karasik at tkarasik@rccancercenters.com or 678-965-4756 Ext. 115.

Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia encourages residents to donate and help make the Georgia Prostate Cancer license plate initiative a reality. For more information on Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, please visit rccancercenters.com.