During a recent government meeting, Oliver Page, leader of the local Us 2 Prostate Cancer Support Group, urged the Richmond County Commission to recognize September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Page, alongside Greg Gibb, the group's vice president, highlighted the critical need for increased awareness and support for prostate cancer, which affects 1 in 8 men, and 1 in 7 African American men specifically.

Page, a six-year survivor of prostate cancer, emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that the five-year survival rate for early-stage prostate cancer is approximately 99%. However, he warned that once the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, the survival rate drops significantly to about 31%. He urged men to request a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test during routine check-ups, as early detection is vital since prostate cancer often presents no symptoms in its initial stages.

The support group aims to provide a safe space for men and their families to discuss the challenges of living with and surviving prostate cancer. Page pointed out the stigma surrounding the disease, particularly among African American men, who are less likely to seek help or discuss their health issues. He stressed that there is no shame in addressing health concerns and encouraged open conversations about prostate cancer to help reduce the mortality rate, which sees one man dying every 15 minutes in the U.S.

The meeting concluded with Page and Gibb expressing gratitude for the opportunity to raise awareness and share their message, reinforcing the importance of community support in combating prostate cancer.