REMEMBER THOSE "SHORT ARM" INSPECTIONS??
From: dilloway@ntplx.net (Phil Dilloway) Date: Sat, Feb 7, 2004, 4:07pm (PST+3) To: dd847@webtv.net Subject:
Funny how times change with age. Now it is "long finger" inspections but for a very different reason. The subject of this announcement is your prostate health, a subject that concerns all shipmates and its purpose is to tell you about a program in which you may care to participate.
Men fifty years of age and over begin to suffer one of the effects of aging and that is the enlargement of the prostate gland. Over three fourths of us will at some time in our later years develop benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland which can cause urinary problems. If we are lucky, it will remain benign. BUT, it could become malignant at some point and by age seventy that is more likely. Prostate cancer is a slow growing disease and one with which we are more likely to die with, than of. While the symptoms of BPH are commonplace, men in general know very little about it and, are less likely to talk to others about it.
If you are a military retiree, with or without BPH, or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or have undergone treatment for the disease, you have the opportunity to join a clinical trial that will help other clinicians learn more about the prevention of the disease, or how to reduce the risks of the disorders. In 1991, the United States Congress established within the military medical community the Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR). Any shipmates who are retirees, i.e., DEERS eligible, are encouraged to volunteer to enroll in the National Prostate Cancer Patient Database. This program seeks to collect comprehensive data so scientists and researchers can learn more about prostate disease, particularly prostate cancer, hopefully to be able to develop more effective prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies.
To enroll you must visit one of the dozen military hospitals throughout the country participating in data collection.
One such facility is Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. You may wish to arrange for an appointment sometime during our reunion next September. You need to contact Charlotte Burdine, Research Data Manager, 210-916-5547 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. She is aware of our reunion and our plan to recruit more participants so mention the Robert L. Wilson and tell her you would like to participate in their Clinical Research Study. She will make the arrangements. At the time of your visit, you may be asked to give a blood sample depending upon your circumstance. You should bring pertinent medical records that relate to your prostate health. It is a one time visit. Annual follow-up may be done through your local Primary Care Physician or Urologist. Why not make it one of the events in which you will participate while at the reunion in San Antonio.
Here is a rare opportunity to help others while at the same time help yourself.
You can learn more about the program by visiting the website at: www.CPDR.org.
Editor's note:
There are many factors assignable to the onset of prostate disease. One is believed to be exposure to Agent Orange. If you are experiencing any prostate related problems and were in Vietnam, on the Wilson or any other command, be sure you contact the VA.
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