October is 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month.' Many special events are planned throughout the month to bring awareness and support to those effected and to their families. Also this month, a very special event is being planned in Bangor to raise awareness about prostate cancer in men.

According to WebMD: "Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. There are often no early prostate cancer symptoms, but some men have urinary symptoms and discomfort. Prostate cancer treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, hormonal therapy, and/or radiation. In some instances, doctors recommend "watchful waiting."

The Maine Cancer Registry reports that "prostate cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. men, accounting for 33% of all cancer cases in males. According to the 2006 American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures, an estimated 234,460 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 27,350 men will die from this disease annually."

The Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer says "over 80% of prostate cancer in Maine men is diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. Those diagnosed in local or regional stage have a nearly 100% chance of survival after five years while cases diagnosed at the advanced stage (when the cancer has spread) have only a 33% chance of survival after five years."

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men and strikes one in six American men. The American Cancer Society estimates that each year 1,460 Maine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 170 will die of the disease. By comparison, 1,040 Maine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 200 will die of the disease.

Danny Webb is a Bangor business owner who is a prostate cancer survivor and last year he hosted an event at Webb’s RV Center to raise awareness and money. The event featured live music and karaoke and he donated upwards of $500 on each unit he sold during the event. Because of the success last year, he decided to make it an annual event. So, next Saturday, October 20th Webb's RV will do it again.

The Bootleg Band, based in Bangor, will take to the stage performing their country rock music for a great cause. Danny invites people to bring their instruments and get up on stage themselves and sing a little karaoke too! There will be refreshments and door prizes as well. The event will run from 10am to 4pm at Webb’s RV Center, Hammond Street in Bangor.

If you’re unable to attend, but would like to donate to the cause, mail your donation to:
Webb’s RV Center
C/O Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer
1206 Hammond Street
Bangor, ME 04401

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