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Runners Chasing A Cure For Prostate Cancer This Weekend

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Chesapeake Urology's 10th annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Walk is set to get underway this weekend at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Stadium.

Every year, more runners and walkers chase an elusive goal to find a cure for prostate cancer.

"Prostate cancer is still quite a common cancer, and it's still the second most common cancer killer in men in this country," said Dr. Marc Siegelbaum, with Chesapeake Urology.

Some 180,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. That's one new case every two and a half minutes, with more than 26,000 deaths a year.

The ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge runs to change that, by raising awareness and money for research.

On Sunday, the 10th challenge will be held at Towson University.

Cancer survivors are a big part of the event.

"I just got done dealing with cancer, and it saved my life as a result of being screened and being checked on a yearly basis," said Sean Murphy, a prostate cancer survivor.

That screening is yearly blood test and rectal exam, often starting at the age of 50.

Dr. Siegelbaum says the screenings are critical because: "Most prostate cancers are actually completely asymptomatic. Men almost never have symptoms associated with it."

Since it began a decade ago, this event has raised $3 million in Maryland, while the awareness it has raised has saved lives.

"The big thing here for me is the fact that diagnosing it earlier, earlier than I would have ever expected, was the key. I got my test back this week, and I'm still zero on my prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is really a blessing," said Rick Deitrich, a prostate cancer survivor.

For more information on Sunday's event, CLICK HERE.

As part of our Continuing Community Commitment, WJZ is a proud sponsor of the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk.

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