#pass4prostate is a social media campaign to raise awareness about prostate cancer as well as the importance of continued research and advocacy.
#pass4prostate: Tackling Prostate Cancer through Awareness, Research.
Considering that 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives, I suspect nearly everyone reading this column has been touched by the disease – whether as a patient, family member, friend or colleague.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, approximately 220,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and over 30,000 will die.
Astellas Pharma US Pres. Jim Robinson challenges you to take the #pass4prostate challenge. http://t.co/45YLo9HFdX https://t.co/bBlZpdj6gm
— Astellas Pharma US (@AstellasUS) August 6, 2015
These numbers are staggering, and that’s why it’s so important to support research, speak up for patients and raise awareness of issues facing prostate cancer patients and their loved ones.
This year, leading up to and during National Prostate Awareness Month in September, Astellas is teaming up with a few friends to tackle prostate cancer by “tossing” our support to related advocacy organizations around the world. In partnership with USA Rugby and the Australian Rugby Union, we’ve launched #pass4prostate, a social media effort designed to raise awareness of the impact prostate cancer has on far too many people, as well as the importance of continued research and advocacy. We’re also having a little fun in the process.
Astellas is encouraging people worldwide to take to Twitter and share a message, photo or video in support of prostate cancer awareness, along with the hashtag #pass4prostate.
Astellas is donating $5 to prostate cancer advocacy for every qualifying submission that uses the #pass4prostate hashtag, up to a maximum contribution of $125,000. The donations benefit prostate cancer advocacy organizations around the world, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation in the United States.
The #pass4prostate effort will be featured at the September 5 USA Eagles versus Qantas Wallabies rugby match held at Soldier Field in Chicago and aired live on NBC Sports Network. This is the final rugby match for both teams before they head to the United Kingdom for the rugby World Cup later this fall.
As a former rugby player and a strong advocate for improving the lives of the patients we serve, I’m particularly thrilled to be joining these two passions in a program that is both fun and impactful. Please consider participating and tossing your support to a friend or friendly rival. You can learn more – including how to toss a rugby ball – at pass4prostate.org.
Jim Robinson
President, Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Member, PhRMA Board of Directors
