NASCAR Memorial Day Weekend Focuses on Prostate Cancer Awareness for Veterans

A Race for Awareness: Prostate Cancer and Veterans

As America gears up for the Memorial Day Weekend, a vital initiative led by ZERO Prostate Cancer and AstraZeneca aims to spotlight a significant health crisis affecting veterans—prostate cancer. This year, the increased urgency of the campaign resonates more profoundly due to the recent diagnosis of former President Joe Biden with the disease. This collaboration showcases the courage of NASCAR drivers who are not just competing on the racetrack but also championing a cause that desperately needs attention.

Racing for a Cause

The NASCAR events, particularly the Coca-Cola 600 and BetMGM 300, will feature cars adorned with custom ZERO-themed paint schemes. Drivers Josh Bilicki and JJ Yeley are set to lead the charge, racing not only for victory but also to honor those whose lives have been lost to prostate cancer and to inspire proactive health measures among men, especially veterans. The staggering statistic that 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer speaks volumes about the urgency of this campaign, but it becomes even more pressing when understanding that veterans are diagnosed at twice the national rate.

Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer, states, “Prostate cancer has become too big to ignore. This year alone, over 300,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed, and more than 35,000 will die from the disease.” The call for early detection is particularly vocal, as Bugler emphasizes, “We must break down the barriers to early detection, especially for Veterans and others who face higher risks.”

Recognizing the Importance of Detection

Memorial Day Weekend holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it serves as a time to pay tribute to those who have served. In tandem with NASCAR Salutes, this vitally important initiative seeks not just to remember but to act. Each 15 minutes, a man dies from prostate cancer in America—a grim statistic that underscores the imperative for early and effective intervention.

Daniele Paone, VP of GYN/GU Cancer Franchise at AstraZeneca, adds, “Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among U.S. Veterans, making early detection and access to quality care crucial.” The ongoing fight involves amplifying awareness and breaking down healthcare barriers, prioritizing those most at risk.

A Personal Mission

The sentiment is echoed by driver Josh Bilicki, who emphasizes the race's deeper significance: “This weekend isn't just about racing—it’s about saving lives. President Biden's diagnosis has put prostate cancer in the spotlight, and we're here to keep it there. If one more man gets tested because of this, we've already made a difference.” JJ Yeley adds, “As a 48-year-old man, this message hits home. Veterans are more likely to face this disease, and early detection is key.”

Future Goals

ZERO's campaign aligns with its ambitious initiative to save 100,000 lives by 2035, focusing on enhancing education, outreach, and accessibility of quality care, particularly for veterans, Black men, and rural residents who are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer. With a commitment to community and advocacy, ZERO Prostate Cancer urges every man to engage actively in discussions about their risk and seek appropriate screenings.

To watch these crucial races, fans can catch the BetMGM 300 on Saturday, May 24, at 1 PM ET on the CW Network and the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 25, at 6 PM ET on Amazon Prime. For more information about prostate cancer awareness and resources, visit ZEROcancer.org. This weekend, it’s not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about breaking the silence surrounding a disease that impacts millions and empowering men to take charge of their health for a fighting chance against cancer.