Thomas Farrington, founder of PHEN with Congressman Gregory Meeks
Quincy, MA — The Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) is launching its “Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally” to address the growing prostate cancer crisis in Black America caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the dramatic increase in new prostate cancer cases.Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths for Black men in the U.S. The disease also has the largest racial disparity for any type of cancer for men or women. The American Cancer Society recently released estimates that new cases of prostate cancer will increase by 30% in 2021. This is more than ten times the increase for any other major cancer including lung, breast, and colorectal. “We are facing an unprecedented prostate cancer crisis in this country and Black men will be hit the hardest,” says Thomas Farrington, PHEN Founder and President. “Our Disparity Rally will raise prostate cancer awareness throughout Black America, and provide educational resources and tools to help alleviate disparities in early detection, treatments, and clinical trials.”
The Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally will kick-off in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia and expand nationwide throughout 2021. The Rally will include an awareness campaign with members of the U. S. Congressional Black Caucus, doctors, clergy, patients, and other leaders raising their voices through public service announcements that will be part of an integrated media outreach effort. PHEN’s online patient educational portals, available on computers and mobile phones, for early detection (PHENPSA.com), treatments (PHENPath.com), and clinical trials (PHENTrials.com) are coupled with the awareness campaign to provide critical knowledge and information that can be life-saving. PHEN’s church and other community partners will join in promoting and distributing these resources to their members and to the public. In addition, PHEN’s monthly “Daddy’s Boys” (daddysboys.org) film episodes will reach up to one million viewers in 2021 with the educational content presented through entertainment.
U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY), a long-time supporter of PHEN’s efforts in the fight against prostate cancer, is joining to kick-off the Rally, along with Virginia Congressmen Donald McEachin and Bobby Scott. Church leaders include Pastors: Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley (Alfred St., Alexandria, VA), Rev. Dr. Mark E. Whitlock (Reid Temple, Maryland) and Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis, III (First Baptist Church of Highland Park, Maryland). Medical leaders include: Dr. Pamela Coleman (Howard University Hospital) and Dr. Arthur Burnett (John Hopkins School of Medicine. “Our supporters and partners across the country recognize the prostate cancer crisis that we face and are stepping up to support our efforts,” states Rev. Adrian Backus, PHEN Director of Partnerships and Community Outreach. (See leaders speak out at www.prostatehealthed.org).
A number of leading prostate cancer pharmaceutical organizations including, Amgen, Pfizer, Janssen, Bayer, Merck, and Genentech are supporting the Rally. Other organizations are invited to participate.
About PHEN
The Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) is the nation’s leading patient education and advocacy organization addressing the prostate health needs of Black men. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, PHEN was founded in 2003 by Thomas A. Farrington, a prostate cancer survivor. Based in Quincy (Greater Boston), MA, PHEN implements education and awareness programs nationwide with its survivor network, churches, cancer centers, and other partners.
For press inquiries, contact Meredith Strickland at meredith@prostatehealthed.org or 617-481-4020.