SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS

BLOG, TWITTER AND FACEBOOK SAMPLES

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

September 2013

SAMPLE BLOG

SPEAKING OUT FOR PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is educating Maryland residents about the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 4,880 men in Maryland will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 560 will die from prostate cancer in 2013. All over Maryland people are taking part in campaigns supporting Prostate Cancer Awareness and Men’s Health Issues.

In May 2012, the United States Preventative Task Force (USPTFS) issued a final recommendation statement on the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test to find prostate cancer. It concluded that the expected harms of PSA screening are greater than the potential benefit. A man’s decision to be screened for prostate cancer should reflect a clear understanding of the possible benefits and harms. It is very important that men communicate with their doctors in order to make informed decisions about whether to be screened based on their personal values and preferences.

Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all or may cause blood in the urine, frequent urination (especially at night), weak or interrupted urine flow, pain or a burning feeling while urinating, and constant pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs. Men should consult with their health care provider if any of these symptoms occur.

The main risk factor for prostate cancer is age: the chance of a man getting prostate cancer increases with age. Other risk factors are having a father or brother with prostate cancer and being African American. Although it is not yet known how to prevent prostate cancer, not smoking, having a healthy diet, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to lower the risk of many types of cancer, while also reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

For more information about prostate cancer, call the (insert name of local health department) at (insert telephone number) or contact the 24-hour line of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Specialist at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345).

SAMPLE FACEBOOK POSTINGS

More than 2 million men in the US count themselves as prostate cancer survivors. To learn more about prostate cancer visit http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/index

(Source: American Cancer Society)

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month! Talk to the men in your life about their health! http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ProstateCancer

(Source: CDC)

BRCA genes are tumor suppressor genes; however, when these genes mutate or become “faulty” their ability to suppress cancer is lost or greatly diminished. Researchers now know that mutated BRCA genes may increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer in men. Cancer genetics is a fast-moving field. Better understanding of genetic drivers of prostate cancer is accelerating research discovery for better diagnostics and cures. http://bit.ly/117u6hT

(Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation)

Do you know the symptoms of prostate cancer? Do you know if you have a family history of the Prostate Cancer? Get the facts --it may save a life--maybe even your own! http://bit.ly/WZVcdG (Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation)

SAMPLE TWEETS

Life is precious & we want men to enjoy it to the fullest! Do you know the symptoms of #prostatecancer? Get the facts http://bit.ly/WZVcdG

(Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation)

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about prostate cancer. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/index

(Source: American Cancer Society)

Talk to the men in your life about their health! #Prostate Cancer Awareness http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ProstateCancer

(Source: CDC)