Manhattan Beach Man Races to Bring Awareness to Prostate Cancer

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — A Manhattan Beach man is bringing awareness to prostate cancer, one race a time.

Robert Hess, founder of the Manhattan Beach-based Cancer Journeys Foundation, participated in the Sports Car Club of America ProSolo autocross challenge Sunday at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Irvine.

More than 200 drivers participated in the event, which is part of a 12-month series. Hess said he was driving for prostate cancer awareness. More than 29,000 men die of the disease each year and he wants to reduce that number.

"September is national prostate cancer awareness month," Hess said. "Our goal is to make men aware of how easy it is to find prostate early using that simple PSA blood test and our Internet tool at prostatetracker.org."

Men age 35 and older need to have a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test for prostate cancer each year, he said. Hess said he's always loved driving and especially like driving in the autocross because of the skill required.

"And the races give me a chance to talk with guys about prostate cancer and how to test in a low-key environment," he said.

The Cancer Journeys Foundation provides cancer survivors and their caregivers the information and support they need to develop and implement effective survivorship plans and move forward with their lives.

— Photo courtesy of the Cancer Journeys Foundation