Local 685 prostate cancer awareness event struts its stuff

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Prostate cancer kills, but screening can catch it in time. That was the message sent at the Boys to Men Fashion Show hosted by the United Auto Workers Local 685 Community Service Committee last week.

Held in the Local 685 union hall, the event featured men young and old showing off their finest fashions while bringing awareness to the importance of screenings for prostate cancer, while also raising money to help the local community. According to Kimberly Story, the chair of the local’s community service committee, the timing of the event was no accident.

“September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and this is our fundraiser for the year,” said Story. “We decided to do something for the men this year, because it’s always been the women getting things done for them.”

To make sure the men were involved and heard the message to take charge of their health, the committee concocted the fashion show, which had 15 men and five boys strutting to the stage in their Sunday best. Whether it was a well-fitted and color-coordinated suit or something a bit more casual, the male models embraced the opportunity to show off their style.

The event also featured a short message from Dr. Lance Washington, a well-respected family practitioner who urged everyone in attendance to take control of their health and seek screenings to help detect cancer before it takes hold.

“Take care of yourself,” said Washington. “I tell my patients three things: G, F, E. God is first in all things. Then, Family, and then Exercise. That takes care of 99 percent of it. Get out of your own way. Do His will.

“What does that mean? Go to the people whom you trust, especially when it comes to your health. God is in control. When it comes to your health, when it comes to common sense, go to those you know.”

Washington explained that death from prostate cancer is highly preventable through early detection. He recommended that men begin regular screenings at age 45.

“But if there is a family history, I usually get them started earlier,” said Washington. “It’s usually a blood test, but for all the men in the audience, it’s also, let’s just say, a pretty invasive exam. It’s not fun, but it only takes a couple of seconds. And it can save your life.

“Some patients ask, can I just do the blood test alone? No, you need the exam and the blood test combined.”

Washington recommended annual screening for prostate cancer until age 75.

The good doctor didn’t stop there. He also urged the crowd to have a colonoscopy performed, starting at age 45. He acknowledged that a non-invasive test, such as Cologuard, could be an acceptable substitute, but only after a clear colonoscopy.

And for women, Washington urged annual mammograms, coupled with periodic self-examinations.

“Ladies, when you examine yourselves, do it standing up and lying down,” said Washington. “Do not examine yourselves in just one position. Also, squeeze your armpits. Your doctors should be telling you that.”

The fashion show fundraiser enables the Local 685 Community Service Committee to donate resources to a variety of nonprofits and causes each year, including helping the homeless and donating to the local women’s domestic violence shelter. For more information about the committee or to make a donation, call Story at 765-437-3428.

See additional photos from this event at www.kokomolantern.com or on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.