I have hit some serious milestones in my life, including my first grand slam win in 1979, but turning the big 5-0 this year was one that caught even a guy like me by surprise. I have always prided myself on being active and keeping in peak physical condition, so I knew moving into this next chapter of my life, I would need to be as dedicated to my health as I am to my tennis game.
I knew, in particular at this age, my prostate health would be a concern, as my dad was diagnosed with (and beat) prostate cancer in 2006. This was a big wake up call for me and really surprised me about the prevalence of this disease. Did you know one in six men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime? I sure didn't.
I was shocked (yes, even me) when I learned the updated American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines have lowered the age (from 50 to 40) for when a man should start being monitored for prostate cancer, which includes talking to a doctor about the prostate-specific antigen test (
To get this message out, today I have joined forces with GlaxoSmithKline, as well as Stand Up to Cancer, the American Urological Association, Men's Health Network, Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Prostate Conditions Education Council. You can see me in this
public service announcement in magazines this fall and even on the side of Madison Square Garden on your way to this year's US Open in Queens, NY or visit www.prostatecancerwatch.com for more information.
This is one issue where all men must be serious.
GlaxoSmithKline funded and helped develop this campaign, including providing compensation to Mr. McEnroe.
One in six men! That is significant! I had no idea the level was so high! I mean I was aware that prostrate cancer effected a lot of men and it was number one disease that threatened their health, though I had no knowledge that it was so high. I will encouraging my men friends and family to start talking to their Doctors.
Thanks John.