By Cinque L. Muhammad
CHICAGO (FinalCall.com)–An aura of urgency and gaiety was present on the grounds of Muhammad University of Islam May 10, as hundreds of men were screened for prostate cancer while children were amused with various activities.
Following a press conference to launch The Louis Farrakhan Prostate Cancer Foundation, families from nearby neighbor-hoods and across the nation were welcomed to a fun-filled outdoor festival at which they were in-formed on prevailing health issues afflicting the Black community. Vendors were also present offer-ing a wide array of goods and products.
Eager children of all ages engaged in numerous games and sports contests, such as miniature golf, arts and crafts, laser tag, basketball, rock climbing and pony rides. Even in fun, the children learned valuable lessons.
“You should be careful what you do, because you can get cancer. It can be very dangerous,” said 10-year-old Kennisha Muhammad.
More than 200 men were examined in the day’s screening which included a digital rectal exam and a blood test.
Rod X, 39, lost a great-grandfather to prostate cancer. “I knew that it was very important to come out here because there was cancer in my family. I’m glad we’re holding this event,” he said.
Charles Drake, 50, feels that men in his age group should be tested for prostate cancer. “When I leave here today I’ll have an idea where I’m at with my prostate, because as soon as you finish this you get the results,” he said. “I think everyone should have that.”
For Kaleb Muhammad, 28, who traveled from Charlotte, N.C., to attend the two-day weekend celebration, early detection is the key. “With my diet prior to coming into the knowledge of self, I just want to make sure I detect it early,” he said. “You pay a greater price if you don’t check it out early.”
Clarence Curtis, 40, of Glen-wood, Ill., having no previous knowledge of prostate cancer, was grateful to be a participant in the event. “This was the first time I’ve ever heard about this. I was educated today,” he said. “I’m glad that I was able to come out here and witness this.”
Nation of Islam Ministry of Health official Vernell Muhammad disseminated information to the public concerning male and female health issues. She said that women are generally afflicted with cervical cancer and breast cancer. She noted that male breast cancer numbers are slowly rising.
According to Betsy London, of the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, one in six men will incur prostate cancer in their lifetime; Black men have a 60 percent higher incidence rate and are twice as likely to die from the disease than White men.
She said that it is not yet known why Black men comprise the majority of prostate cancer victims and studies are still being conducted.
The next free prostate screening, according to organizers, is scheduled for July 11. For location and time, call (888) 245-9455 or visit www.pcacoalition.org.