"Making healthy lifestyle choices and getting regular check-ups

can protect against cancer," said Bill Todd, president of the Coalition. "Why

wouldn't men want to live longer, healthier lives?�They would be

able to enjoy more quality time with their families and friends and others

who depend on them and love them."

"African-American men and men with a family history of prostate

cancer are at higher risks for developing the disease," said Redding. "All

men over 45 are urged to talk with their doctor or healthcare provider

about prostate cancer, discuss their risk for the disease and decide

if screening is right for them.

"Furthermore, ninety percent of all colorectal cancer cases in

Georgia are found in men over 50. To reduce the risk of getting colorectal

cancer, men should get regular screening tests beginning at age 50," Redding

added.�"Screening can find precancerous growths called polyps which

can be removed before they become cancerous.� Screening tests can also

find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective."

Highlighting the importance

of early detection, colorectal cancer is more than 90 percent curable

when detected early. Still, colorectal cancer

is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in Georgia because

many cases are discovered late when treatment is less effective.� The

Coalition and DHR's Division of Public Health recommend that men

and women have one of the following tests to check for colorectal cancer:

� A fecal occult blood test

(stool blood test) every year.

- A flexible sigmoidoscopy

(an exam of the rectum and part of the colon using a lighted instrument)

every five years.

� A colonoscopy (an exam of

the rectum and entire colon with a lighted instrument) every 10 years.

The Coalition and the Division

of Public Health invite the men of Georgia to use National Men's

Health week to focus on improving their health by making the Healthy

Georgia Promise, which includes observing four

recommendations:

- Stop smoking. Call

the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line at 1.877.270.7867 for help. Never smoke

near children.

- Be active. Walk, play, dance, garden, do housework, run, or join

the gym � anything to keep active for 30 minutes a day.

- Eat right. Eat five

to nine fruits and vegetables a day.

- Get checked. Get regular

checkups for cancer, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass and blood

sugar.

For more information about chronic diseases, including cancer, contact

your health care provider, your local health department, call 1-800-4CANCER

(1-800-422-6237) or visit www.georgiacancer.org.