Brothers Talk
It's time to get the word out.
American Cancer Society
1.800.ACS.2345
908.354.7373 x206

Fight cancer with a powerful weapon. Your voice.

Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer. And they're more likely to die of prostate and colorectal cancers. Screening tests save lives. That's why the American Cancer Society's Brothers Talk program involves black men who are leading the fight against prostate and colorectal cancers.

You can make a difference! Call the American Cancer Society at 908.354.7373 ext. 206 or 1.800.ACS.2345 to learn how you can help fight cancer. It's time to get the word out!

Spread the word - your group or organization can partner with the American Cancer Society to talk about cancer prevention, early detection and treatment referrals.

Brothers Talk. Your voice can save lives

If you are age 45 or over, you cannot afford to pass this up!

The American Cancer Society's Brothers Talk program and the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection program bring education and annual screenings to men who live in the greater Newark area. For men who qualify, there is no cost for the screenings. Exams are provided at University Hospital (UMDNJ), St. Michael's Medical Center and East Orange General Hospital.

Brothers Talk is an information and education program of the American Cancer Society. To learn more, call us today at 908.354.7373 ext. 206 or 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org

Get the facts about prostate and colorectal cancers

Prostate Health

Last year, more than 5,500 New Jersey men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and nearly 1,000 died of the disease. Black men are at higher risk for prostate cancer, and are more likely than other groups to die of the disease. In fact, African-Americans have the highest prostate cancer incidence rates in the world.

But when found early, the survival rate for all men is 97 percent. In addition to race, risk factors for prostate cancer include increased age, a family history of the disease and a diet that is high in fats.

Prostate cancer screening includes a simple PSA test and a digital rectal exam. The American Cancer Society recommends that black men begin annual screening starting at age 45.

Colorectal Health

Last year, 4,900 people in New Jersey were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 1,900 lost their lives to the disease. Black men are less likely to get colorectal cancer, but have the highest death rates.

Colorectal cancer can be prevented and successfully treated. Most people can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by eating a healthy, low-fat diet and getting regular exercise.

Get checked for colon cancer starting at age 50. Exams include a digital rectal exam and a test for hidden blood in the stool. Other important exams, such as colonoscopy, enable the doctor to see inside the colon and intestines.

Facts

Fact: Prostate cancer results from an abnormal growth of cells of the prostate - a gland located inside the body, at the base of the penis. In most cases, there are no symptoms. However, if caught early, prostate cancer can be treated successfully.

Fact: The two screening tests for prostate cancer are quick and painless. The digital rectal exam allows your doctor to manually check for lumps or enlargements of the prostate. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a simple blood test that measures proteins made by the prostate gland.

Fact: Prostate cancer does not necessarily affect sexual performance. Many prostate cancer survivors go on to live sexually active lives. In fact, most treatment methods do not affect sexual function at all.

Fact: Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps - non-cancerous growths on the wall of the colon. Polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Fact: Early colorectal cancer often has no symptoms. Later stage symptoms may include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in the stool and cramping.