Faculty and staff from the UNC Department of Urology and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center joined community leaders, advocates, and survivors this spring to support local health events, including rallies organized by the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), in a statewide initiative focused on prostate cancer education, awareness, and early detection.
Over a period from March through April 25, 2026, PHEN hosted four community rally events at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across North Carolina. The campaign brought together physicians, public health experts, cancer survivors, faith leaders, students, and community members to promote prostate cancer awareness and encourage proactive screening.
UNC Urology and UNC Lineberger played a significant role throughout the series, with faculty members and staff providing educational presentations, answering questions, encouraging men to take an active role in their health, and helping facilitate free PSA blood screening opportunities. Across the four venues, approximately 200 men received free PSA screening tests.
The four events took place at:
- North Carolina Central University (Durham) – March 21
- Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte) – April 4
- North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro) – April 11
- Shaw University (Raleigh) – April 25
Bringing World Class Care and Expertise to Our Local Communities
Representing UNC Urology and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center throughout the planning and implementation of the campaign were:
- Matthew Nielsen, MD, MS, Chair of the UNC Department of Urology, Distinguished Professor of Urology, and member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cance Center
- Ray Tan, MD, MSHPM, Chief of the Division of Urologic Oncology and Urologic Oncology Fellowship Program Director, and member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Zach Feuer, MD, Assistant Professor of Urology and member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Julie Farmer, DrPH, MHA, Associate Chair for Administration and lead for business and operational management of the Department of Urology, and advocate for increasing prostate cancer risk awareness
- Will Moore, Men’s Health Coordinator with the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, whose support helped strengthen collaboration between community organizations, academic medicine, and other outreach initiatives
Experience and Expertise Within PHEN’s Leadership Team Elevates All Aspects of the Health Fair Events
In addition to overall program management of the four health fairs, numerous representatives of the PHEN leadership team were particularly engaged in the educational and other aspects of the program, including; Dr. Keith Crawford, Director of Clinical Trials and Education; Dr. Angelo Moore, Executive Director of NC A&T CIHDER, and heading up the team was Keith Farrington, PHEN’s Founder and President.
Community Engagement: A UNC Tradition
Participation in the program is just one example that reflects a longstanding commitment by both UNC Urology and UNC Lineberger to actively engage with and support communities throughout North Carolina. These can include educational programs, outreach events, screening initiatives, and ongoing partnerships with a number of community organizations in order to enhance awareness for prostate cancer, especially among those who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
Prostate cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men but early detection can significantly improve outcomes, making community-based education and outreach vitally important.
Meeting Patients “Where they Are” Can Make All the Difference
“We at UNC Urology are proud to continue our longstanding collaborative partnership with Thomas Farrington of PHEN,” said Dr. Matthew Nielsen. “These activities in partnership with HBCUs reinforce our shared values with PHEN, of meeting patients where they are, and coming to trusted spaces in the community for dialogue and service.”
“Too many men delay conversations about prostate health until symptoms appear,” said Dr. Tan. “These events help bring trusted information directly into our communities and empower men to make informed decisions about screening and early detection.”
Dr. Feuer added, “One of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative was seeing community members actively engaged and asking questions about their health. When we combine education with accessible screening opportunities, we help remove barriers and create pathways to earlier diagnosis and treatment.”
Dr. Julie Farmer emphasized that community partnerships are essential to improving cancer awareness and directly reaching people with vitally important information and insights. “The health rallies demonstrate how collaboration among academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and community leaders can make a meaningful impact across North Carolina,” she said.
Additional Info About PHEN
PHEN’s statewide campaign was conducted in partnership with Duke University, UNC Urology and UNC Lineberger, and numerous local community organizations. Through educational sessions, survivor testimonials, community outreach, and free screening opportunities, the initiative reached thousands of North Carolinians with messages about prevention, awareness, and the importance of knowing one’s prostate cancer risk.
As UNC Urology and UNC Lineberger continue their community outreach efforts across the state, they are helping to encourage more men to seek regular preventive care and have informed conversations with their healthcare providers about prostate cancer screening.