A motorcycle ride to raise awareness for a disease that doesn’t get the attention or prevention many in the medical community feel it deserves takes place this weekend as the Prostate Cancer Pony Express takes to the road.

On Sunday, September 18, 2011, the Prostate Cancer Pony Express leaves Mount Vernon, VA, heading to Washington, DC to take their message about the critical importance of prostate cancer research funding.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States, second only to lung cancer. The weight of this illness is felt not only by the men living with and fighting prostate cancer, but also by their families, friends, and communities who rally to care for their loved ones.

Although the exact causes of prostate cancer are not yet known, studies show certain factors-- including age, race, and family history-- may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

“More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer. “Breast cancer affects one in every eight women – with prostate cancer its one in every six men. Yet, there are significantly more federal dollars, more attention, and more support for breast cancer research. Prostate cancer needs to be just as much of a national public health priority.”

According to experts, early detection and treatment are the key factors in addressing prostate cancer. Testing for prostate cancer consists of a simple blood test and brief physical examination, which takes less than ten minutes, but could save a man’s life.

The Pony Express will leave Mount Vernon, VA at 10:00 am, arriving at the White House at 12:00 pm. It will make stops along the way at Capitol Hill and the Congressional Cemetery, where they will hold a memorial service in honor of the 1.4 million unnamed men who have died from prostate cancer since President Richard M. Nixon declared the war on cancer in 1971.

The groups latest logo pays homage to the famed pony express riders while making an effort to bring attention to a very modern concern.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Project president Robert Hess, prostate cancer survivor and service disabled veteran, will be leading the ride. Hess, an eight-year prostate cancer survivor, believes “that early detection is critical to long-term survival.”