Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for American men and the second leading cause of cancer death. According to the American Cancer Society, more that 180,000 new prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed this year in the United States.

"There are numerous issues involved in the screening and treatment of prostate cancer and this show will be devoted to informing our listeners about choices and new treatments," said Selma R. Schimmel, host of The Group Room and president and founder of Vital Options® TeleSupport® Cancer Network, which produces the program in association with Premiere Radio Networks.

Joining Schimmel for the broadcast will be Dr. Stuart Holden, medical director, and Dr. David B. Agus, research director, of the Prostate Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Holden, a specialist in urological oncology who holds the Warschaw, Robertson, Law Families Chair in Prostate Cancer, is also the medical director of CaPCURE. Agus is a medical oncologist and researcher, work together with their colleagues to test and implement the most advanced therapies for prostate cancer, including treatments in surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy.

All phone calls to The Group Room-the world's largest cancer support group--are screened by a licensed oncology social worker and topics about all aspects of cancer will be accepted. Callers can enter discussions by dialing 1-800-GRP-ROOM (1-800-477-7666).

In addition to Schimmel, The Group Room's other in-studio regulars include medical oncologist Dr. Michael Van Scoy-Mosher, radiation oncologist Dr. Leslie Botnick and therapist Halina Irving, MFCC, who is also a cancer survivor.

The two-hour program airs live every Sunday from 4-6 p.m. ET (1-3 p.m. PT) in selected cities throughout the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, St. Louis, Memphis and Tampa, and reaches about 400,000 listeners a week. It is also simulcast worldwide via the Internet (www.vitaloptions.org).

Vital Options is a Los Angeles-based national non-profit cancer communications, support and advocacy organization. Originally founded in 1983 as the first organization to address the needs of young adults with cancer, Vital Options now deals with all aspects of cancer for all age groups. During the week, individuals can reach Vital Options at 818-508-5657 for support or to receive more information about cancer resources or stations carrying the broadcast.

The Group Room is supported through educational grants from founding sponsor Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and corporate sponsors Ortho Biotech Inc., Pharmacia Oncology and Genentech BioOncology Inc.