Kimberly-Clark starts initiative to benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation

Kimberly-Clark has announced that its Depend® brand is igniting conversations about the importance of men proactively taking charge of their health and championing the strength of those fighting prostate cancer with its third year of the Stand Strong for Men’s Health™ initiative, benefiting the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF).

Beginning in September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Depend will donate up to $350,000 toward PCF’s work to improve the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

In the United States, one in eight men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and many survivors experience urinary incontinence as a side effect of treatment. With a new case diagnosed every three minutes, preventative checks are critical for men’s health.

Screening starts with a simple blood test to detect the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate, with very small amounts released into the bloodstream can help catch the disease at an early stage when treatment may be more effective.

“PCF is grateful for the Depend brand’s Stand Strong for Men’s Health initiative, which helps fund life-saving research that contributes to detecting and treating prostate cancer,” said Dr. Charles Ryan, President and CEO of The Prostate Cancer Foundation. “Deciding to screen and ultimately treat prostate cancer is a highly personal decision. Education and research are vital in determining the best path forward for both the doctor and patient.”

For father, actor and Depend partner Brian Austin Green, the Stand Strong for Men’s Health message is personal. Green lives with ulcerative colitis, which some studies have linked to a possible increased risk for prostate cancer.

“After my ulcerative colitis diagnosis, I recognized my risk for prostate cancer and made a commitment to my personal health, not only for my family but also for other men in my shoes,” said Brian Austin Green. “While learning more about the Depend Stand Strong for Men’s Health program and speaking with my doctor, I’ve decided to complete a PSA test to ensure I continue to prioritize my preventative care.”

For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, research funded by PCF has led to breakthroughs in evaluation and treatment, such as the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-PET scan. This technology allows doctors to see and track otherwise hard-to-find prostate cancer, potentially earlier and in much smaller amounts compared with imaging that is currently used.

PSMA-based technology can also be used as a treatment for certain types of advanced prostate cancer to precisely deliver tiny doses of radiation to prostate cancer cells.

“Depend brand’s Stand Strong for Men’s Health is designed to help fight the stigmas associated with these health issues and celebrate the courage and strength of men taking charge of their health,” said Adam Dreyer, Senior Brand Manager of the Depend brand. “We have donated annually through Stand Strong for Men’s Health to PCF to fund prostate cancer research, and this fall the brand is providing an easy way for people to make an impact.”

For every purchase of Depend Shields-Underwear Liners for Men – Light and Depend Real Fit Underwear for Men September through November, Depend will donate to PCF, up to $350,000.