This Father's Day BrachySciences, A Leader In The Research And Development Of Prostate Cancer Treatments, Reminds Men Aged 50 And Over To Screen For Prostate Cancer

OXFORD, Conn., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer, other than skin cancer, among men in the United States. It is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among American men. As Father's Day approaches, many events will be focused on raising money for prostate cancer research; walks and runs are planned across the United States to help raise funds for scientific research and to raise awareness on the importance of early screening.

"This Father's Day it is important that individuals remind their fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles and friends of the importance of prostate cancer screening," says Jim Matons, president of BrachySciences. "Early detection can mean survival."

Last year it was estimated that approximately 230,000 American men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and an estimated 30,000 died from the disease (1). The American Cancer Society reports that one in every six men will get prostate cancer during their lifetime (2).

The American Cancer Society recommends that all men begin prostate cancer screening annually beginning at age 50. Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screening for cancer at age 45 (3).

Prostate cancer screening consists of a blood test, often referred to as a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test, and a digital rectal examination.

"It is a quick and simple examination," says Dr. David Beyer, Radiation Oncologist and Vice President of Arizona Oncology Services. "We encourage early detection so that cancer can be found in its early stages."

BrachySciences invites men, and their loved ones, to visit http://www.brachysciences.com/patients to learn more about prostate cancer and some of the treatment options that are available today.

"We at BrachySciences want patients to understand the importance of screening for prostate cancer, as well as the treatment options that are available to them," says Matons. "Our site is a great tool for patients and loved ones to learn more about prostate cancer."

BrachySciences will also make available a listing of centers across the country that are currently providing early screening, some free of charge.

About BrachySciences, Inc.

Based in Oxford, CT, BrachySciences is committed to optimize the quality and efficiency of prostate brachytherapy implants by providing state of the art, quality brachytherapy products, and innovative technologies and services to the physicians and institutions that treat patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. For more information please visit http://www.brachysciences.com.

(1), (2) American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2005. Atlanta, GA; 2005

(3) American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Updates Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

CONTACT: Lindsey Raymond of BrachySciences, lraymond@brachysciences.com;or Summer Sharaf +1-732-322-6988, ssharaf@agmedcom.com, for BrachySciences

Web site: http://www.brachysciences.com/