06.06.2003
PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVOR JOINS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
TO SAVE LIVES THROUGH EARLY DETECTION

Ray Luna, Retired Musician, Encourages Other Latino Men to Seek Testing

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 6, 2003) – American Cancer Society volunteer Ray Luna, 58, is a true fighter. The physically fit retired drummer was diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago. Luna who conscientiously has a physical every year had a routine digital rectal exam (DRE) in 1997. When his doctor felt a suspicious hardening on his prostate he recommended a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The result was a higher than normal PSA level suggesting the presence of prostate cancer. His doctor then performed a biopsy, which confirmed prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic/Latino men in the United States. However, as Luna discovered, the survival rate is nearly 100% when detected early, before it has spread to other organs or lymph nodes.

“Because my cancer was detected early, I had treatment options to choose from,” said Luna. “I opted to have the cancerous prostate surgically removed.”

Luna is now as active as ever. An avid swimmer and cyclist, he offers support and inspiration to those around him. As an American Cancer Society Man to Man volunteer, Ray has helped several men deal with the reality of prostate cancer. Being open about his cancer encourages other men to seek his help. Less than a year ago, a man who shares the locker next to Luna at the YMCA began treatment for prostate cancer. He looked to Luna for advice and support.

“I walked him through every step of what he could expect during the treatment process,” Luna said. “Hearing about my experiences made it easier for him to get through it.”

The American Cancer Society believes that doctors should offer the PSA blood test and DRE yearly, beginning at age 50 to men who do not have any serious medical problems and can be expected to live at least 10 more years. Men at high risk (African Americans and men who have a close family member with prostate cancer at an early age) should begin testing at age 45. Those with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age should begin testing even earlier.

June is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. However, the American Cancer Society presents free prostate cancer education and screening programs throughout Los Angeles County year-round. For information on these programs, support groups for prostate cancer survivors and for information about early detection guidelines, please call the American Cancer Society at
1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 17 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.

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