Scripps & SDSU Basketball Team to Raise Cancer Awareness

San Diego – Scripps Health has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the San Diego State University men’s and women’s basketball programs for the 2010 season, putting a full-court press on promoting cancer awareness and prevention.

Carrying the theme “Time Out for Your Health,” the multimedia campaign features prostate cancer awareness and prevention tips from SDSU men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher and breast cancer awareness and prevention tips from SDSU women’s basketball head coach Beth Burns.

Elements of the Scripps campaign include public service announcements and signs at Aztecs home games at Viejas Arena, as well as Scripps Health information booths located outside the arena for four home games.

“Time Out for Your Health” PSAs will also air during radio broadcasts of Aztecs basketball games on AM 600 KOGO. Scripps will also have flash banners and video PSAs on the website of SDSU athletics, goaztecs.com.

In 2009, Fisher underwent prostate cancer surgery at Scripps Mercy Hospital. He chose minimally invasive robotic surgery, which is an alternative to traditional open surgery. Fisher, whose cancer was caught early, said he wants to inform others about the importance of annual exams.

In the prostate cancer PSA, Fisher advises men to “know the risk factors and symptoms, talk with your doctor and get your annual physical. That’s how you stay in the game.”

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men (next to skin cancer) and breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women (besides skin cancer).

Scripps Cancer Center patients benefit from a network of the most advanced diagnostic, treatment and support services, as well as access to the latest research and clinical trials. Scripps Health also provides screening and prevention services, along with extensive education and support groups. Scripps Cancer Center is the first multi-hospital cancer program in California and one of only 28 programs nationally to earn network accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.

Learn more about Scripps Health.