Nov. 19, 2021
In 2021, Mayo Clinic urologists Candace F. Granberg, M.D., and Kevin Koo, M.D., M.P.H., led a successful advocacy campaign to recognize Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Minnesota. The Rochester-based providers lobbied Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to raise awareness about the importance of prostate cancer screening and detection among all Minnesotans.
National Prostate Health Month, also known as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, is observed every September in North America. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be nearly a quarter-million new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2021, and among them 4,020 new diagnoses and 560 prostate cancer deaths in Minnesota.
"Prostate cancer affects millions of men and their families across our state, but it is treatable and potentially curable when detected early," says Dr. Granberg. "That's why Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is so important, to encourage men to talk about screening with their doctors and make decisions together."
Dr. Koo notes: "The proclamation is an unusual and noteworthy accomplishment for urologists and physicians in general. While raising awareness locally is laudable, it is also important that our urologists engage with government officials and policymakers, which can achieve much broader impact and benefit patients well across the state."
Gov. Walz's proclamation
Gov. Walz's proclamation
Drs. Granberg and Koo display the proclamation recognizing September 2021 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Minnesota.
Gov. Walz issued an official proclamation on Aug. 15, 2021, declaring September Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Minnesota. Drs. Granberg and Koo received the proclamation at the state Capitol alongside a team of Mayo Clinic urology residents and fellows.
"Standing in the governor's office with the proclamation was a powerful experience that showed how much impact we as urologists can have," said Dr. Granberg. "It's so important for urologists to use our voice to improve patients' access to urological care no matter where they live."
This successful advocacy campaign expands the long history of leadership in prostate cancer care at Mayo Clinic and strengthens its impact in pioneering clinical innovation and translational discovery. "We are excited to see the governor's recognition here and are grateful for the efforts of our entire team of health care professionals who provide world-class care to our patients with prostate cancer and their families," said Stephen A. Boorjian, M.D., Urology chair at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. "This proclamation represents our continued commitment to advancing prostate cancer care throughout our state, region and beyond."