'Prostate cancer is the breast cancer for men'

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - Joe Henderson is no stranger to prostate cancer.

"I've had good friends pass away from prostate cancer and I've had good friends that have survived," he said.

Four years ago, Henderson became one of them.

"Two generations of my family have had it," he said. "I can't say fortunately I had prostate cancer, but fortunately I had it detected early."

On Sunday, he joined other survivors at Oregon Urology Institutes annual Prostate 8K Run and Walk.

"This event started shortly after the time that I was diagnosed and when I was being treated, and I've been involved with the organization from the start," said Henderson.

Oregon Urology Foundation Director of Community Outreach Stephanie Kerns, said men should start talking to their doctors about screening around age 40.

According to the American Cancer Society, every five minutes, two men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"Statistically prostate cancer is the breast cancer for men," she said. "The statistics are the same. Unfortunately, men aren't really that fabulous about talking about health issues."

That's why, she said, they host this run and a free screening event, to encourage men to get checked.

"Last year alone, in two days, we screened over 1,200 men free of charge."

She said this run raises awareness for the disease, but for survivors like Henderson, it also holds a special meaning.

"This is a shirt that nobody really wants, but once you have it, there's a bond among us," he said. "It really is kind of a reluctant brotherhood I call it."

The Oregon Urology Foundation will host it's annual prostate cancer screenings at the Valley River Center Mall?July 10 and 11?from 10 am to 6 pm. It's free of charge and open to all men.

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