"My grandfather did not know about the need for prostate cancer screening, but my dad and I do, and if our doctors do not suggest a yearly screening, we ask about it ourselves. I urge all men to take charge of their own health and ask their doctors about prostate cancer screening."
Marcelo Balboa
National Soccer Hall of Famer
ESPN Commentator
Two-Time Captain – U.S. Soccer Team
Click Here to Download Marcelo's Recorded Message to Fans!
TEAM UP AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER PLAYBOOKS
English Playbook
Spanish Playbook
The Team Up Against Prostate Cancer Playbook helps to coach men and their families on how to recognize the signs of prostate cancer, to understand why screening is important and the available screening options, and how to draft an all-star multidisciplinary treatment team if diagnosed.
Download the TEAM UP AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER Materials
English
Playbook
Press Release
Fan Message
Spanish
Playbook
Fan Message
National Soccer Hall of Famer Marcelo Balboa has teamed up with the Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC) and sanofi-aventis to encourage men to take an active role in helping to protect their prostate health.
Marcelo has a personal interest in prostate cancer as his grandfather suffered from the disease. He is urging men 50 and over and those who also have a family history of prostate cancer to talk to their doctors about screening options, and if diagnosed, to draft an all-star multidisciplinary treatment team consisting of a urologist, medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist for the best defensive and offensive strategy against prostate cancer.
In 2008, an estimated 186,320 men learned they had prostate cancer - the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer among men. Fortunately, prostate cancer may be effectively treated when detected early. Approximately two million men in the United States are prostate cancer survivors.
MEET MARCELO BALBOA ON JUNE 20TH AT GIANTS STADIUM
Marcelo Balboa will be autographing free copies of the TEAM UP AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER Playbook, which helps to coach men on how to avoid being sidelined by prostate cancer and if diagnosed, how to draft an all-star multidisciplinary team. The Playbook is available in English and Spanish.
Come by the TEAM UP AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER booth on Saturday, June 20th inside Gate D from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM at the Major League Soccer match-up between the New York Red Bulls and the Seattle Sounders at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. You will also have the opportunity to speak with a PCEC representative about your prostate health-related questions and receive information on how you can get a free prostate cancer screening!
Meet Us at Other Major League Soccer Games Across the Country
TEAM UP AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER booths will also be setup at the L.A. Galaxy game on August 29th, and the Chicago Fire game on September 20th. Stop by to meet Marcelo Balboa, receive your free copy of the TEAM UP AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER Playbook and find out how you can get a free prostate cancer screening.
Use the Best Defensive and Offensive Strategy Against Prostate Cancer
- Know your risk of developing the disease
- Speak with your physician about prostate health and screening options (particularly men over 50 or who have a family history of prostate cancer)
- If diagnosed with prostate cancer, draft an all-star multidisciplinary team who can develop the best treatment strategy
PROGRAM SPOKESPEOPLE
"We hope TEAM UP AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER will give men the tools they need to take an active role in protecting their prostate health. We are proud to partner with sanofi-aventis on this important initiative as an answer to the need for greater awareness about prostate cancer among all men."
-Wendy Poage, M.H.A.
President,Prostate Conditions Education Council
"Teamwork is as important in prostate cancer care as it is on the soccer field. And timing is everything. By consulting a urologist, and a medical and a radiation oncologist, men with prostate cancer may avoid delaying optimal treatment and have greater access to all treatment options including surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy."
- Dr. Jorge A. Garcia
Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
PRACTICE, BE PROACTIVE, AND DEVELOP AN OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE STRATEGY!
Practice a Healthy Lifestyle:
- Eat right
- Exercise
- Quit smoking
- Visit your doctor for regular check-ups
Always consult with your healthcare provider before engaging in any dietary changes or new exercise routines.
Be Proactive – know your risk factors, ask for annual prostate cancer screenings if your doctor does not bring it up, know the signs/symptoms of prostate cancer:
Risk Factors:
- Age: More than 65% of all men diagnosed are over the age of 65.
- Family History: Men with a relative, such as a father or brother, who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease.
- Race/ethnicity: According to the American Cancer Society, Hispanic men are less likely than non-Hispanic white men to be screened for prostate cancer.
- Diet: A diet high in fat may be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer.
Soccer players may receive a Yellow Card Warning for foul play. Be aware of your 'warnings' – prostate cancer signs/symptoms – and speak to your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
- Blood in urine
- Need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Painful or burning urination
- Difficulty in having an erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
