Project Elevation

Project Elevation is a community partnership led by Phoebe, the Albany Coalition of Churches, a group of local barbers, Morehouse School of Medicine, and others.  The goal is to save lives by raising awareness about prostate cancer and increase prostate cancer screening – especially among Black men – to prevent cancer or catch cases early when they can be successfully treated.  Project Elevation Champions are volunteers from participating churches who undergo education and training so they can help encourage other men to get tested. Project Elevation holds regular events where free screenings are offered.

About Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland located deep inside a man’s groin that produces seminal fluid.  Cancer of the prostate is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States.  Prostate cancer is as common in men as breast cancer is in women.  It typically grows slowly and may not cause significant harm, but some aggressive forms can spread quickly.

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Upcoming Events

All events are from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  No registration is required.

March 1, 2025

Israel’s Temple
721 W. Society Ave.
Albany

March 22, 2025

First African Baptist Church
506 W. Pope St.
Sylvester

April 26, 2025

Union Missionary Baptist Church
214 E. Oglethorpe Blvd.
Albany

 

Prostate Cancer Screening

A prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood screening that can help catch cancer early when it is most treatable.  We recommend those at high risk of developing prostate cancer – including Black men and those with a family history of the disease – begin regular screenings at age 40.  Routine screenings for the general population should begin at 45.

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Prostate Cancer in Black Men

Black men are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed and 2.1 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than White men.  The reasons for the disparity are not clear but may include genetic factors, differences in access to healthcare and environmental factors.  Black men are less likely to be offered the option of a PSA test, which is why Project Elevation focuses on educating Black men and making screenings available to them.

Treatment Options

  • Active Surveillance – Some men with elevated PSA levels may just need to be monitored and undergo periodic tests instead of immediate treatment.
  • Surgery – Removal of the prostate gland.
  • Radiation Therapy – Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
  • Hormone Therapy – Reducing Testosterone to slow cancer growth.
  • Chemotherapy – Used for advanced or resistant cases.
  • Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy – Treatments that enhance the immune system or target specific cancer mutations.
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