Special to NKyTribune
Unlike the many cancers women may worry about getting, prostate cancer is not one of them. It occurs only in men. According to the American Cancer Society, one in seven American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
Yet, the majority of those set to participate in this year’s 9th annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Run on Sept. 12 are women. Of the nearly 1,800 participants the strong majority are expected to be women.
So why do they run?
Because, like all cancers, prostate cancer affects the entire family. Although a man may endure the biological diagnosis, his partner is also immersed in the experiences surrounding diagnosis, treatment selection, and the uncertainty of side effects.
And women, who typically manage their families’ healthcare, are often the ones who encourage the men in their lives to get screened.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women make approximately 80 percent of the health care decisions for their families and are more likely than men to be caregivers to family members.
“Prostate cancer has hit many of our family. My husband, my father, my father-in-law, my grandfather — so I would love to see a cure before any more of our family is struck. I would love it if our son never has to experience it,” said Jill Dahlenburg of Hebron who will be participating.
Ashley Veatch, of Liberty Township, participates to honor her father who was diagnosed in 2014 after a routine screening.
“Last year when we ran he had recently been diagnosed,” she said. “This year we will run to celebrate healing!”
The family friendly event on Sept. 12 features a 10K and 5K run and walk, with food, entertainment and raffle baskets. The starter’s gun sounds at 9 a.m.,at the starting line at The Urology Group’s headquarters, 2000 Joseph E. Sanker Blvd. in Norwood. To register, visit www.urologygroup.com.
Funds raised from the race go toward advancements in testing, research and better medicine, as well as raising community awareness about prostate cancer.
The nationwide series of ZERO races generate about $2.5 million a year to help end prostate cancer.
