Philadelphia Eagles, TJUH partner to educate about prostate health and cancer awareness

Sep 18 2012

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals has again teamed up with the Philadelphia Eagles to educate fans and others about prostate health and to raise cancer awareness.

To help kick off the campaign, Jefferson served as the presenting partner at the Sunday, September 16 game versus the Baltimore Ravens, with Edouard Trabulsi, M.D., Director of Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Oncology Center of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson(KCC), and David P. McQuaid, FACHE, President, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Inc., receiving Eagles jerseys on the field before kickoff.

"The KCC and our Departments of Urology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology are deeply honored and grateful to once again have the Eagles as our partners," said Leonard Gomella, MD, chair of the Department of Urology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and director of clinical affairs at the KCC. "Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men, and over 200,000 will be diagnosed this year alone. That's why it's so important for men to take their prostate health seriously."

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, with one in six men being diagnosed in his lifetime, and most treatable if caught early.

"In the months ahead, Jefferson and the Eagles look forward to more victories on the field and in raising prostate cancer awareness," Dr. Gomella said.

Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant is also joining forces with Jefferson to help spread prostate health awareness, participating in several community events and a public service announcement with Dr. Gomella on the importance of prostate health and screening.

For the 23rd consecutive year, Jefferson Hospitals will also offer free prostate health and cancer screenings on September 19 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (registration required). Call 1-800-JEFF-NOW to make an appointment.