Danville proclaims September Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; organizers push screenings and community event

Danville City Council issued a proclamation declaring September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and heard a presentation from the "Stay in the Game" initiative and partners from the Comprehensive Cancer Center. The presentation highlighted disparities in diagnosis and outcomes for Black men and encouraged routine screening.

Mayor Alonzo Jones read the proclamation into the record and invited Ashley from the Comprehensive Cancer Center to the podium. Ashley described the initiative’s goals: raise awareness of risk factors, expand access to screenings, and partner with local organizations including churches, the Danville Police Department and Parks and Recreation. "If there's a history of prostate cancer in your family, you're at higher risk," Ashley said, urging residents to "talk to your doctor about your concerns."

The proclamation included statistics read aloud to the council: presenters referenced national estimates (for example, that 1 in 8 men may be diagnosed in a lifetime and that Black men face a higher diagnosis and mortality rate) and underscored the value of early detection. The presentation announced a community screening and outreach event on Saturday, September 13, at Laurel Baptist Church (event listed in the record and promoted by councilmembers); organizers said the event will include education, screening information and community activities.

Council members and veterans shared personal accounts and encouraged men to get tested. Dr. Gary Miller and other members noted screening methods such as digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA blood tests, and stressed doctor-patient conversations and physician education. "Please don't be afraid," Ashley said. "Together, we're helping more men in Danville stay in the game, healthy, informed, and supportive."

Next steps: organizers encouraged community partners and clergy to help promote the September outreach and to sign the initiative's pledge; councilmembers pledged to assist with publicity and community engagement.

Provenance: proclamation read and discussion occurred in the early portion of the meeting and included multiple council comments and a public event announcement.