Green Wave go blue for prostate cancer awareness

When the Tulane University Green Wave football team hits Benson Field at Yulman Stadium for the home opener Thursday (Sept. 3), the players will be taking on more than the Duke Blue Devils. They"ll be taking on prostate cancer, too.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the team members will wear blue ribbon decals on their helmets in solidarity with the men battling this disease. Head football coach Curtis Johnson and the rest of his staff also will wear blue ribbon wristbands and lapel pins in support of the cause.

“Much like the NFL has embraced breast cancer awareness, Tulane has taken the lead among college football programs in promoting prostate cancer research and awareness, and our hope is that other teams will "get their blue on" and join us,” says Dr. Oliver Sartor, head of the Tulane Prostate Cancer Research Program.

At their recent training camp, Sartor updated Green Wave players on prostate cancer risk factors and the importance of being proactive when it comes to their health.

“Tulane Athletics is proud to partner with Sartor and the Tulane Prostate Cancer Research Program,” says Rick Dickson, athletics director. “We are more than happy to provide an avenue to shed light on this disease in an effort to promote cancer awareness.”

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American men.

“As our players embrace this cause, they are setting an example others should follow,” Sartor says.

Tulane Cancer Center will host the Second Annual NOLA Bluedoo Party/Walk/Run, a 2-mile race and celebration of prostate cancer survivorship, on the Tulane uptown campus on Saturday, Sept. 12, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The event includes food, beverages, entertainment, costuming, a kids" tent and more.

Melanie Cross is manager of communications at the Tulane Cancer Center.