MONROE, La. – A Monroe fraternity will host its third annual Check Listen & Live event Saturday.
The Mu Tau chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is hoping to spread awareness of prostate and colorectal cancers.
Health and wellness committee chairman Eugene Burns says this year, they are going virtual to spread the word.
“The most important thing we can do is focus on the awareness perspective and the knowledge,” Burns says.
The symposium will have researchers from Tulane University, doctors and even testimonials to tell people everything they need to know.
According to Ochsner Health, one in nine American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and more than 200,000 will be diagnosed this year. The CDC says it is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among men of all races.
So, Burns says their goal is to not only encourage men to get tested and early. “The earlier we can get people tested and any abnormalities are found, they can be easily treated as opposed to waiting four or five years later.”
Burns says even more women are starting to join the conversation too, which is great to help encourage the men in their life learn more and take action. He’s hopeful that by going virtual, they can reach even more.
“This conversation needs to be had throughout this entire community. So, this Saturday since we are going to do it on the virtual platform, I think we’re able to expand it on the national basis too.”
