Video gives comedic spin to the serious subject of prostate cancer in black men

April 18, 2012

What:
The public premiere of “WORD on Prostate Cancer,” an educational video targeting black men to promote early detection and prevention of prostate cancer, will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Greater Bethel AME Church in Gainesville and is free and open to the public. Reminiscent of Eddie Murphy’s “Coming to America” barbershop scene, “WORD on Prostate Cancer” is set in Gainesville’s So Sharp Barbershop and features the performances of Alachua County prostate cancer awareness advocates Samuel Gaddy, Roger King, Franklin Donaldson, “QQuincy” and Charles Cooper as they discuss their characters’ ribald perspectives on prostate health and prostate cancer screening. A reception with light refreshments will be offered before the screening, and the first 100 black men between the ages of 40 to 70 will be eligible to provide formal feedback on the video and receive a $10 Wal-Mart gift card.

Why:
Prostate cancer is the second leading cancer in men, but the incidence of late-stage diagnoses and mortality is greater in black men than in white men. Screening for prostate cancer can catch the disease early and increase chances for survival, but recent research has confounded the issue by suggesting prostate cancer screenings may not save lives. “Prostate cancer is a very real threat to black men, and the main purpose of this video is to clarify the confusion surrounding prostate cancer screenings and to encourage men to make informed decisions with their doctors about whether or not screening is right for them,” said Folakemi Odedina, Ph.D., a professor of pharmaceutical outcomes and policy in the UF College of Pharmacy and associate director of health disparities for the UF Shands Cancer Center. Produced by the UF Prostate Disease Center, the UF Shands Cancer Center and the Alachua County Prostate Disease Center Community Advisory Board, the video’s approach to promoting educational awareness on prostate cancer was community-driven. “Prostate cancer is a serious issue, but men look at the disease from different perspectives and we felt bringing humor to the topic would make it easier for men to talk about it,” said Odedina. “There are too many serious awareness videos out there already that don’t make an impact. We hope this one will.”

When:
6 p.m., Saturday, April 21

Where:
Greater Bethel AME Church, 701 SE 43rd St., Gainesville, FL

Contact:
Lindy Brounley at 352-273-5810