SALT LAKE CITY – An annual event to raise awareness about the importance of testing men for prostate cancer has a new look amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk is being held virtually this year. Participants are encouraged to register online, exercise on their own and then share their stories.
“We are trying to make lemonade out of lemons,” said Dr. Peter Fisher, the director of men’s health at St. Mark’s Hospital.
Fisher also serves as the director of the Zero Prostate Cancer event. The event raises money to help those battling the disease. It also raises awareness. Fisher and others involved believe the event is too important to be canceled because of the pandemic.
“This year’s run is everyone is trying to adapt and do our best,” Fisher said. “The overall, national goal is to have a zero cancer generation.”
“It makes us all step outside the box and think of unique ways that we can engage people,” added Jessica Tolman, an organizer with the organization.
According to Dr. Fisher, 1 in 9 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The disease is treatable if detected early.
“Beating prostate cancer is about early detection,” Fisher said. “When prostate cancer develops symptoms like difficulty urinating or blood in the urine or pain in the skeleton or lower extremities, it’s often too late. The disease has gone too far to be curable.”
Fisher’s father is a cancer survivor. He hopes other Utahns hear his warnings, so they can catch this disease in time.
“It’s about men and the people who love and care about men, getting them proper proactive healthcare,” Fisher said.
To participate in the virtual Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk register at ZeroRunSLC.com.
