A.F.U.D. Designates September as Second Annual

Prostate Heath Month

Individuals encouraged to visit www.prostatehealth.com and www.pcaw.com

Baltimore, Md. - September 8, 2000 - The American Foundation for Urologic Disease (A.F.U.D.) announced today that September has been designated as Prostate Health Month. Sponsored by the A.F.U.D and its Prostate Health Council, this educational initiative -- now in its second year -- will focus on the three most common prostate conditions: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and prostatitis.

"The Foundation recognizes the importance and need for continued education on prostate health and therefore has designated this entire month to raising awareness of these prostate conditions," said John McConnell, M.D., co-chairman of the Prostate Health Council and Professor and Chairman Department of Urology, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center. "Through this effort we hope that more and more men and their families will become aware of the importance of prostate health and see a Urologist regularly as a result."

Prostate Health Month was created in 1999 with the goal of educating millions of American men and their families about the importance of good prostate health and seeing a Urologist for regular check-ups. As part of this national effort, the A.F.U.D. has established a Web site, www.prostatehealth.com and a toll-free number, 1-888-237-9004, for individuals to obtain a free brochure on prostate health. This brochure, written by the Foundation’s Prostate Health Council, includes the latest and most accurate information on prostate conditions such as prostate cancer, BPH, and prostatitis including symptoms, diagnostic procedures and treatment options. During this month-long educational initiative, the Foundation will also continue its sponsorship of Prostate Cancer Awareness Week and BPH Awareness Week and will launch its first ever Prostatitis Awareness Week.

During Prostate Health Month, the A.F.U.D. will host its third annual BPH Awareness Week, 24 - 30. BPH, a common condition characterized by progressive, noncancerous enlargement of the prostate affects about one in four men age 50 and older in the United States. In a recent survey conducted by the Foundation, it was discovered that while BPH is the most prevalent prostate problem, only half of those polled were aware that the condition existed. As a result, the week will focus on increasing awareness of this highly misunderstood condition and encourage men with urinary tract symptoms to see their doctor to determine if they have BPH. To learn more about BPH, individuals can call 1-800-242-2383, or visit www.prostatehealth.com.

"BPH is a very serious problem that is sometimes overlooked because of the attention prostate cancer receives. However, the millions of men affected by BPH will testify what a devastating condition it can be," said Thomas M. Bruckman, executive director of the A.F.U.D. "Thanks to FDA-approved prescription oral therapies and other interventions, many men can now lead a more normal life. However, if left untreated, BPH can lead to problems such as acute urinary retention and eventually the need for BPH related surgery."

Since 1989, Prostate Cancer Awareness Week has helped educate the public on the signs and symptoms of this disease as well as the importance of early detection and yearly prostate exams. To date over three million men have been tested in this program. This year, approximately 180,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 34,000 will die from the disease. Select hospitals, clinics and private practices across the country will participate in this year’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, September 17 - 24, offering free or low-cost exams in hopes of encouraging more men to be screened. A Web site, www.pcaw.com, has been created to provide additional information to physicians and consumers about activities related to Prostate Cancer Awareness Week.

This year, Prostate Health Month will also feature the Foundation’s first awareness initiative focusing exclusively on prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate with symptoms that mimic that of a urinary tract disorder. Prostatitis Awareness Week will occur September 10 - 16. The campaign will help demystify prostatitis, the least discussed prostate condition which affects millions of American men.

An educational grant to fund Prostate Health Month activities has been provided by Merck & Co., Inc.