Thor Industry Launches Drive Against Prostate Cancer

When was the last time you had a prostate exam?

If you are over 50 years old, and love RVing, you can thank Thor Industries for thrusting the problem of prostate cancer in men into the national spotlight. An estimated 180,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, but if detected while the cancer is still confined to the prostate, the five-year relative survival rate is 100%.

Part of the Thor Industries display at the recently completed RVIA Show was a customized Airstream mobile medical vehicle that made its public debut in Louisville, KY. The Drive Against Prostate Cancer will visit more than a dozen U.S. cities in 1999 and 2000 in an effort to deliver 10,000 free prostate cancer screenings to men aged 40 and over. 

Exams were conducted all three days of the RVIA show and it brought a serious situation into the minds of all in attendance. According to statistics presented at the annual Outlook 2000 breakfast, more men die from prostate cancer each year than AIDS. That statement alone caused many in attendance to sit up and pay attention to the message.

Thor Industries' chairman Wade F.B. Thompson is a prostate cancer survivor. "Prostate cancer was the most difficult experience of my life," Thompson said. "The only reason I'm alive today is because I was able to catch the disease early enough."

Many RVers are over 40, which makes them a prime demographic for prostate cancer. Thompson is hoping that Thor customers, dealers and suppliers will act as ambassadors for the cause, helping to educate men and their families about the importance of prostate cancer screening.

The customized 39-foot motorhome is equipped with two private rooms for screenings and will have trained medical staff available to perform the testing and provide educational information.

This program is being conducted in collaboration with Cancer Research Institute, Endocarp, Bayer Diagnostics and UroCor.