A Designated fund of Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Foundation

LPCF - OUR MISSION:

To promote public awareness and education relating to the detection and treatment of prostate cancer through personal interaction, public service and commercial advertising and operate support groups throughout the Brainerd Lakes area.

Gary Harris, Founder/Director

Merrill (Dutch) Cragun, Director

Dr. Jim Roelofs, Director

Sharon Harris, Director

David Jeremiason,  Director of Development 

          - Central Region Essentia Health Foundation

Prostate cancer is the number 1 cancer diagnosis in men & the leading cause of cancer death in American men. You can help us to promote early detection and treatment of prostate cancer through public education programs and the dissemination of information through the media and personal support groups intended to reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer in men and provide valuable information to aid those currently in treatment.

Donations to the Lakes Prostate Cancer Fund and Essentia Health - St. Joseph’s Foundation are tax deductible and the organization is a current and valid 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in accordance with the standards and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men and is the second highest cause of death in men over the age of 50.  It is believed that genetics and heredity play a role in the development of prostate cancer as well as exposure to radiation, chronic inflammation, exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, high levels of androgens (testosterone), can cause gene changes which lead to cancer.

Implications of Prostate Cancer

Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer is generally highly successful in its remission but metastasis (escaping the prostate and entering surrounding tissues or the blood stream) has occurred, the disease prognosis and treatment will change dramatically.

Advanced prostate cancer may cause:

     · Urinary dysfunction

     · Erectile dysfunction

     · Loss of fertility

     · Bowel dysfunction

     · Pain as a result of bone metastasis

     · Compromised organ function & death