Legendary NASCAR® driver, team owner, and prostate cancer survivor Richard Petty has teamed with Janssen Biotech, Inc. on Show Your Stripes for Prostate Cancer Awareness. This new educational initiative raises awareness about advanced prostate cancer among veterans, their families, friends, and healthcare providers and provides tools to foster dialogue and action against the disease.
Prostate cancer is an important medical priority for America’s veterans. Approximately one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.[i] Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer next to skin cancer, and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death among American men[ii]. Most cases of prostate cancer – nearly two-thirds of them[iii] – occur in men over the age of 65[iv], or approaching it, and nearly two-thirds of male U.S. veterans are in this age group[v].
“Racing and competing are part of who I am, but prostate cancer was a challenge I was not expecting and caught me off guard,” said Richard Petty. “As a prostate cancer survivor and advocate for veterans, I think it’s especially important to encourage veterans to talk about this disease – and seek help from loved ones. I’m proud to be a part of Show Your Stripes for Prostate Cancer Awareness because it’s helping veterans who have done so much for our country.”
Show Your Stripes for Prostate Cancer Awareness is an educational initiative sponsored by Janssen Biotech, Inc. in conjunction with the non-profit organizations Men’s Health Network (www.menshealthnetwork.org), US TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network (www.ustoo.org) and Vietnam Veterans of America (www.vva.org).
Petty, known even beyond NASCAR® circles as “The King,” is a vocal advocate for others with prostate cancer. “I’ve walked away from some close calls on the track and I’m still here after fighting cancer. My family and my team – be it my crew in the pit or my healthcare team – have always supported me and helped me get back in the race. And now I want to be part of the support network for our country’s veterans by urging them to seek support as they combat prostate cancer,” said Petty.
Show Your Stripes resources targeted to the needs of veterans are available online at www.myprostatecancerroadmap.com. In addition to a Public Service Announcement featuring Richard Petty and COL. (ret.) Artie Shelton, MD, a former U.S. Army physician and a veteran and a prostate cancer survivor, the online resources include a veteran-specific guide and information on advanced prostate cancer. Additionally, visitors to the site can take action in honor of veterans by selecting to have Janssen Biotech, Inc. make a donation on their behalf to one or more of three different advocacy organizations focused on prostate cancer and veteran support. These include Men’s Health Network, Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network, or Vietnam Veterans of America. The groups will receive a total combined donation of up to $5,000 per organization from Janssen Biotech, Inc.
Janssen Biotech, Inc. PR
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