The Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) today announced the launch of Boston's first prostate cancer support group focused on the particular needs of African-American men. The kick-off event to inaugurate this newly formed support group will take place on September 15th, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in the Smith Family Room, 16th floor of the Dana Building (suite 1620), from 4-6pm.

African-American men are diagnosed more often than whites for prostate cancer at the rate of 1.6% and face a mortality rate more than 2.4 times that of white men, according to the American Cancer Society. In response to these alarming statistics, the PHEN and DFCI support group will serve as a resource for Boston's African-American community, to teach members that prostate cancer education and awareness can help save lives.

"We are pleased to launch this support group in partnership with Dana-Farber," said Thomas A. Farrington, President and Founder of PHEN. "This is the first time that a prostate cancer support group has been formed to target the unique needs of African- American men in Boston. Our hope is to reach men who are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer as well as those who have already been diagnosed and continue to fight."

The program will feature diverse speakers from the perspectives of medical experts and survivors, who are members of support groups. Speakers include: Anne L. Levine, Vice President External Affairs, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Thomas A. Farrington, PHEN; Philip Kantoff, MD, director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology and division of Solid Tumor Oncology; Dr. Timothy Gilligan, Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Stan Klein, prostate cancer survivor and founder of the Boston Prostate Cancer Walk; and Robbie Robinson, prostate cancer survivor and member of the PHEN/DFCI prostate cancer support group.

"Support groups can play a key role in survivorship," says Philip Kantoff, M.D. "It can be empowering for some men to discuss their concerns with others who have cancer and learn about different treatment options. Hearing first hand how others are coping with the disease and the effects of treatment can also be valuable."

Medical experts agree that increasing education and awareness about the importance of prostate cancer screening, early detection and advances in treatment are major contributors to overcoming prostate cancer. Prostate cancer survivors nationwide have also identified support groups as a major contributor to their success in facing the disease, according to experts.

For more information about the program, contact Lynn Basilio, community benefits administrator, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, at 617-632-3462.

About Dana- Farber Cancer Institute:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and is among the leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.

About the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN):
With an understanding that education and awareness can save lives, PHEN is a 501(c) 3 organization, established to increase prostate health education and awareness among men at high risk for prostate cancer. African American men have the highest prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates in the world; accordingly these men and their families are a primary focus for PHEN.