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Tackling Prostate Cancer: The Men's Health Fair at Hampton University

The Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute is set to hold its Fourth Annual Prostate Cancer and Men's Health Awareness Fair on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This event aims to address the alarming rise in prostate cancer rates in Virginia, with nearly one in five men showing abnormal results at previous screenings.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, prostate cancer ranks as the second-most diagnosed cancer in the state. Disturbingly, an American man is diagnosed with this disease every two minutes and succumbs to it every 15 minutes. However, if detected early, the chances of curing prostate cancer exceed 99%. This highlights the critical nature of initiatives like the Men's Health Fair.

Scott Berry, the Executive Director at Hampton Proton, emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, "This health fair saves lives. Over the past three years, nearly 20% of men screened here received abnormal results. We want men to know that by attending, they could be safeguarding their health, future, and family."

The organized health fair will offer free and accessible prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, digital rectal exams (DREs), and educational resources designed for men's health. To increase awareness and attendance for this health initiative, Hampton Proton has also launched the "Men Get Checked PSA 4 PSA" campaign. This campaign features local community figures, including mayors, athletes, university leaders, pastors, and medical experts, who encourage men to prioritize their health.

Notable contributions to this campaign include voices from:

• - Lt. Gen. Darrell K. Williams (USA, Ret.), President of Hampton University
• - Mayor Phillip Jones from Newport News
• - Mayor Jimmy Gray of Hampton
• - Trenton Boykin, Head Football Coach at Hampton University
• - Wali Rainer, former NFL linebacker for the Cleveland Browns
• - Dr. Christopher Sinesi, Medical Director at Hampton Proton
• - Dr. William R. Harvey, Founder of the Institute
• - Charlie Hill, Co-Founder of the Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum

Tiffany Velez Rodgers, the Director of Marketing at Hampton Proton, shared insights on the campaign's goal, stating, "This isn’t about celebrity; it’s about leveraging trusted community voices to deliver a vital call to action: get screened."

In recent years, prostate cancer has gained national attention, especially after various public figures, including President Joe Biden and NBA legends such as Alonzo Mourning, disclosed their personal battles with the disease. “These announcements remind us that prostate cancer doesn’t discriminate,” said Rodgers. “Our health fair offers access and education that could significantly impact the lives of men right here in Coastal Virginia.”

Event Details:

• - What: Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute's 4th Annual Prostate Cancer & Men's Health Awareness Fair
• - When: Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• - Where: Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute, Hampton, VA
• - Partners: Sentara Healthcare and the Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum

For more information or to register for screenings, visit hamptonproton.org. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #PSA4PSA. Together, let’s combat prostate cancer and encourage all men to prioritize their health.