Prostate Cancer Awareness Postage Stamp Part I Of II

Did you know that there are only two animal species that are known to develop cancerous tumors of the prostate gland? Dogs and humans are the unlucky two. Prostate Cancer is the second most common type of Cancer in men. It is estimated that in 2009 that there will be almost 200,000 new cases of Prostate Cancer diagnosis’s in the United States alone. Statistically, 1 in every 6 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. Because of current medical treatments, only 1 in 35 will die as a result of the Cancer.

In May of 1999 the United States Postal Service issued a postage stamp to bring awareness to the public about Prostate Cancer. The stamp is being compared to the Breast Cancer Awareness Stamp, but the messages behind the stamps were vastly different. As a result, the Prostate Cancer Awareness stamp drew quite a bit of controversy that still remains today.

The problem with the postage stamp stems from the wording on the stamp. The Breast Cancer Awareness Stamp says “Fund The Fight Find A Cure.” The semi-postal stamps went on sale in mid-1998 and rose over $54 million for research. Along with the stamp came a massive campaign at post offices around the United States to educate the public about Breast Cancer. There were posters in lobbies, distribution of free breast cancer brochures, radio and television public service announcements, as well as other community outreach activities. By all accounts the campaign was a huge success.

Please check back on Monday for the conclusion.