Major League Baseball and the Prostate Cancer Foundation teamed up this year to form the Home Run Challenge in honor of Father's Day. Their gift to father's across the country: for each home run hit in 60 selected games between June 6 and today, June 17, raised money for prostate cancer, the second most common cancer for men in the United States.

Some fans of this cause made pledges; some posted online tributes to their dads at Dockers San Francisco. For every message submitted, the company donated one dollar. Some messages were even shown in Times Square for all to see.

I just checked the status of the Home Run Challenge on this Father's Day morning and found the most updated total of home runs to be 91. Leading the accomplishment are Ken Griffey, Jr., Alex Rodriguez, and Alfonso Soriano. The current Team Home Run leader: the Cincinnati Reds.

A reader posted a comment on one of my blogs and asked "What tests positively determines prostate cancer?" It prompted me to do a little research. 80 percent of men over 70 years old will get prostate cancer. That is a devastating statistic. A lot of times in the medical field diagnosing something requires a multitude of tests to rule out things and to get a better diagnosis. Such is the case for prostate cancer.

There are several tests used to diagnose prostate cancer. Blood tests, rectal exams, rectal ultrasounds, needle biopsy, and cystoscopy. A high level of PSA in the blood can be a sign of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by cancerous prostate cells. With a rectal exam your doctor can feel for lumpy or a hard prostate. If a lump or hardening is found then most often they will do a needle biopsy to examine under a microscope. A cystoscopy is an examination of your bladder and uretha but can help determine several types of cancer and not just bladder cancer.

With all kinds of cancer, it is important to stay up to date with yearly exams for prevention. I hope this information helps.

A new PSA density test may help identify men at high risk of developing prostate cancer.

The test, used after a biopsy finds no signs of life-threatening prostate cancer, can compare the size of a man's prostate to his levels of a cancer-related protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

Even though both men with high and low PSA densities can have clean biopsies, studies show it's men with very high PSA densities who are at greatest risk of developing prostate cancer. This and the fact that biopsies can miss between 20 and 33 percent of tumors makes this new test a potential breakthrough for the prevention and detection of prostate cancer.

A popular baldness drug manufactured by Merck & Co Inc called Finasteride, better know as Propecia, can mask an important marker used to detect prostate cancer. High levels of the PSA in the blood can signal prostate cancer or other problems such as an enlarged prostate.

Propecia has been shown in a study to artificially lower the prostate specific antigen (PSA). Dr. Anthony D'Amico, the lead author of the study from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, recommends middle-aged men taking Propecia to have their PSA levels multiplied by two to account for the difference. He says, "The main finding is that this drug called Propecia, which men use for hair loss typically between the ages of 30-60, affects the PSA levels".

Merck said in a statement that information has been included for customers on the label since the product was first introduced in 1997. It advises patients who undergo serum PSA tests to tell their doctor if they are taking Propecia.

It may be on the label but I hope our doctors are aware of this. Are they asking the patients if they are using Propecia? I'm sure there are plenty of men who have not read the fine print and don't mention this information to their physicians.

A new urine test can tell the difference between an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. This test from Gen-Probe is not approved in the United States but is approved in some European countries.

If a man has a noncancerous condition of the prostate a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tumor marker test can rise. This rise in the PSA test can lead to a biopsy of the prostate. This biopsy is the only way to determine if the PSA test is picking up a cancer or an enlarged prostate that is not cancer.

The urine test is different because it detects genetic material--RNA--from prostate cancer gene 3 or PCA3. PCA3 is only found in the prostate and when the cells become cancerous the cells express more PCA3 RNA than normal cells. It is independent of the PSA test and works differently to detect cancer.

This test is not designed to replace the current PSA tumor marker but it can do something that the PSA cannot. It can be a separate tool used to determine if cancer does exist. Its not a perfect test but it can help out a few situations. If a man has a low PSA but wants some extra reassurance without getting a biopsy this test could be added along with the PSA. Also, it can help men that have a negative biopsy but a rising PSA decide whether they would like a second biopsy.

Urine tests are already used to detect bladder cancers and some kidney cancers so this test could provide the patient and the doctors with more information and better decision making tools.

Cancer cells sometimes secrete specialized proteins into the bloodstream that serve as indicators of tumor growth. These tumor markers are often distinctly associated with a particular type of cancer. Like prostate cancer.

The most well-known tumor marker today is the PSA -- the prostate-specific antigen. PSA is a highly specific protein that is secreted only by cells of the prostate gland. It is one of the most widely used -- and the only widely accepted -- screening test for cancer.

There's also the tumor marker CA-125, used in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer and in the monitoring of response to treatment for the same disease. There's CEA for colon cancer, CA-19-9 for pancreatic cancer, AFP for liver and testicular cancer, beta-HCG for testicular cancer, and CA 15-3 for breast cancer. And research is under way on newer, more useful tumor markers. This is a good thing -- because some tumor markers are not specific enough or sensitive enough to accurately predict tumor growth.

This is why my oncologist does not recommend I enter the world of tumor markers, despite my status as a breast cancer survivor. He suggests I rely simply on how I feel for monitoring my chances for cancer recurrence. If I experience any worrisome symptoms, he will be the first to wage an all-out assessment of my health. But without symptoms, tumor markers are not likely to help me at all.

A peek at my breast cancer tumor markers would likely be hazy, inconclusive, and not all that helpful. Examination of tumor markers can lead to false positives. It can lead to expensive and often unnecessary follow-up testing. It can lead to worry and panic and even alarm if the numbers are not in the hoped-for range.

Although an abnormal tumor marker level may suggest cancer, this alone is typically not enough to diagnose the disease. Measurements of tumor markers are usually combined with other tests, such as a biopsy, to confirm cancer. So what would I do with an abnormal number and nothing suspicious to biopsy? I would worry. I would panic. Perhaps unnecessarily.

My doctor suggests I refrain from a wild cancer chase. And I am happy with his suggestion. Between my own awareness, follow-up oncology appointments, mammograms, annual OB/GYN check-ups, and more, I am confident any health issues that come my way will be detected early -- and can be resolved in good time. I have no need for confusing tumor marker details. Unless they are conclusively recommended, I will survive without them. More important, I will survive without worry.

PSA tests are a recommended way to screen for prostate cancer, however the test is not very precise. Too much PSA, prostate-specific antigen, in a man's blood can indicate that he has either a benign enlarged prostate or cancer. Only a biopsy can tell the difference.

A new study suggests that physicians should monitor not only the number of the PSA test but also the trend of the results. In other words, if the blood test shows a jump by a few points, even though the number is still in normal range, it could be a sign that the patient has prostate cancer.

The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests evaluating how fast a man's PSA level rises may help that tricky balancing act of when to biopsy and how aggressive to treat.

What does that mean for men today? That its a good idea to order a biopsy for a man with a low but fast-rising PSA.

On the Phil Lesh and Friends website, musician and founding member of Grateful Dead Lesh begins, "What do I have in common with Rudy Giuliani, John Kerry, Bob Dole, Joe Torre, Nelson Mandela, Sean Connery, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Emperor Akihito of Japan, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Colin Powell, Quincy Jones, Roger Moore, Sydney Poitier, and Robert De Niro?" Prostate cancer.

Lesh, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, will be undergoing the da Vinci robotic surgical procedure in December to remove the tumor. As a result of his prostate cancer diagnosis, he is urging all men to have a periodic PSA screening for early detection of prostate cancer.

In 1998, Lesh underwent a liver transplant as a result of chronic Hepatitis C infection. He has become an active advocate for organ donor programs and raising awareness for Hepatitis C. Lesh is expecting a full recovery from prostate cancer because it was caught in its early stage. Here are a few fast facts about prostate cancer:

• Age is the most common risk factor for prostate cancer.
• Prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms for many years.
  
• Two simple tests are performed as part of a prostate cancer screening --a digital rectal exam and a blood test (PSA) to screen for prostate specific antigen.
  

To learn more about prostate cancer, visit Prostate Cancer.

Today is Lee National Denim Day, the world's largest single-day fundraising campaign for breast cancer, which encourages millions of women and men nationwide to wear their favorite jeans and make a $5 donation to support breast cancer research, education and outreach.

In addition to celebrity spokesperson Pierce Brosnan's campaign efforts, cast members Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer and B.J. Novak of NBC's The Office have appeared in a Lee National Denim Day public service announcement (PSA) supporting the cause in the usual slant of dark comedy they employ at Dunder-Mifflin each week during the award-winning show. If you missed the PSA, it can be viewed as a YouTube video here.

Celebrities Heidi Klum, Kate Bosworth, Don Cheadle, Brandon Routh, Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, Ellen Pompeo, Ginnifer Goodwin, Ben Stiller, Julianne Moore, Richie Sambora, The Fray, Cheyenne Kimball, BJ Novak, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, and John Krasinski have decorated jean pockets for an auction to benefit Lee National Denim Day in support of Women's Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The celebrity designed and autographed denim jeans will be auctioned on Charity Folks. Today is the last day to bid.

Last year, more than 29,000 companies participated in the Lee National Denim Day fundraiser, raising more than $8.6 million dollars. In the last twenty years, the event has raised more than $61 million dollars in support of breast cancer programs.

Mike's fifth article chronicling his journey through prostate cancer starts off "My name is Mike and I pee my pants". He says that his fear of dying and concerns about his sex life all fade in the background because of this side effect from surgery. Low Blow: One man's battle with prostate cancer is Mike Stuckey's, a writer for MSNBC.com, online journal telling about the triple whammy men face when diagnosed with prostate cancer. Incontinence, impotence and death.

Mike was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 49. His PSA test was out of normal range and a biopsy was performed to confirm the cancer diagnoses.

Mike has a funny way of putting things. His writing is very witty and insightful. He talks about his fears and what runs through his mind at night. Mike tells us "I love peeing when I want, in a toilet or on a tree and I don't want it dribbling down my leg at other times." Mike thinks its the absolute worst that he has to decide his own cancer treatment. Then he tells us how selfish he feels knowing he is lucky to have choices available.

I think this is a great resource for prostate cancer survivors and also other survivors of different cancers. Mike gives us the real deal but in a charming way.

Saks Fifth Avenue will be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) in the campaign to raise money for women's cancer research this October. Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure and EIF has named award-winning actress Glenn Close as the celebrity ambassador as this year's representative who will appear in PSA fashion magazine print ads.

"When I was invited to be the Entertainment Industry Foundation's ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue's Key to the Cure, I didn't hesitate for one second because I have so many friends who have died from cancer and my grandmother had breast cancer," said Close. "I think it's tremendously important to raise more awareness about the importance of early detection and support promising scientific research."

This is the seventh year Saks Fifth Avenue has participated in raising money for women's cancer research, and in seven years, the campaign has raised over $20 million dollars to benefit such organizations as EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund; The Breast cancer Research Foundation; Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai; Houston's M.D. Anderson; Boston's Gillette Center; and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Photographed by renowned photographer Timothy White, Close will appear in national PSAs wearing a limited edition T-shirt designed by Oscar de la Renta, which will be available exclusively through Saks Fifth Avenue.

The typical Western diet is lacking in a healthy balance of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids, and for men with prostate cancer, this can have adverse consequences in controlling tumor growth and PSA levels. In this part of the world, our diet offers too little in the way of omega-3 and too much in the way of omega-6. Researchers found that by balancing the ratio in increasing omega-3 and decreasing omega-6 in the diet, there were able to slow tumor cell growth rates by 22 percent and lower PSA levels a whopping 77 percent.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in leafy green vegetables, nuts, vegetable oils such as canola and soy, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, olive oil, cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and fresh tuna. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in corn, safflower oils, food products made with corn oil (think processed foods and fast foods) and red meats.

According to UCLA researchers, when the fatty acids are not in the right ratio to each other, omega-6 creates an inflammatory response in the body that can promote the growth of tumors, while omega-3 has the opposite effect in acting as an anti-inflammatory.

"This is one of the first studies showing changes in diet can impact the inflammatory response that may play a role in prostate cancer tumor growth," said principal investigator Dr. William Aronson. "We may be able to use EPA and DHA supplements while also reducing omega-6 fatty acids in the diet as a cancer prevention tool or possibly to reduce progression in men with prostate cancer."

These studies were done on animal models, and not humans, but the researchers did use a special mouse model for hormone-sensitive prostate cancer that matched closely prostate cancer in men.

Pierce Brosnan has been named 2006 Lee National Denim Day ambassador. The event, the world's largest single-day fundraising campaign for breast cancer, which is held on October 6, encourages millions of women and men nationwide to wear their favorite jeans and make a $5 donation to support breast cancer research, education and outreach.

For the 11th annual National Denim Day, Lee Jeans is joining together with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund. The Women's Cancer Research Fund was established to support research, education, and outreach programs for more effective approaches to the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women's cancers. Honorary chairs include Kate Capshaw and Rita Wilson.

Last year, more than 29,000 companies participated in the fundraiser, raising more than $8.6 million dollars. In the last twenty years, the event has raised more than $61 million dollars in support of breast cancer programs. To register for the event, make a donation, find event ideas or shop for Pink Ribbon Jeans, visit the Lee National Denim Day website.

I think obesity will always carry with it a risk for health problems. And according to a new study released on Monday, men with prostate cancer who are overweight have a higher risk of tumor recurrence after radiation treatment than thinner men do. Specifically, moderately and severely overweight men had a 70 percent higher risk of recurrence than men who were not overweight -- as indicated by rising levels of PSA, a blood protein that can signal prostate cancer. It is not clear how exactly obesity affects the success of radiation treatment -- perhaps it's the fat tissue that secretes certain hormones that helps the cancer progress at a later time. Regardless, the study suggests that men who are overweight do not fare as well as those who are at an average weight -- and this gives men a definite reason to trim down.

Obesity in this study was characterized by body mass index -- BMI -- a statistic that takes into account height and weight. A man five feet, 10 inches tall would be considered normal weight at or below 184 pounds. He would be overweight at 185 to 209 pounds, mildly obese at 210 to 244 pounds, and moderately to severely obese at above 244 pounds. Moderately to severely obese men had almost twice the risk of developing elevated PSA levels, according to an epidemiologist who led research in the study -- which will be published in the August 1 issue of the scientific journal Cancer.

This Father's Day, as part of Major League Baseball's Prostate Cancer Foundation's Home Run Challenge, the seventh-inning stretch will be moved to the sixth inning to symbolize that one out of six men in the country will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. In addition, players, managers, coaches, trainers, umpires and groundskeepers will raise awareness and show support by wearing blue wristbands, blue ribbon uniform decals, blue eye glare and temporary blue ribbon tattoos.

"People are starting to age. We're just trying to make sure that people are aware of how important it is to get the message out and have guys talk about it, because as men, sometimes we're reluctant to talk about health issues," states Home Run Challenge spokesperson Ozzie Smith. "Being part of the baby boomers, this falls right into our lap. It's important to at least make an effort to make people more aware of how important it is to get checked. When we talk to them when they're 40 to 45, by the time they get to 50, they'll be ready to take the plunge to get things done."

See, you could take your dad to a ballgame and he could learn all about the need to be screened for prostate cancer without you trying to find a way to work the subject of your dad's prostate into conversation. For some, that conversation might be an easy one to have with dad. But for others, saying "Happy Father's Day and have you thought about your prostate lately," might seem awkward. Does Hallmark even make a card for that conversation? A day at the ballpark seems a clever solution.