(Alexandria, VA, Wednesday, July 15, 2020) – Star of Ghostbusters and Grace & Frankie discusses the viruses that can cause cancer, and how important it is for Americans to get their screenings and vaccination appointments back on the books.

Ernie Hudson is best known for his role in the 1984 cult classic, Ghostbusters; few fans, however, know that he is a two-time cancer survivor. Hudson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998, and with rectal cancer in 2011. In both cases, screening caught his cancer early, making treatment more effective.

Hudson is now cancer-free and is using his voice to educate people on the link between certain viruses and cancer. He has just been named spokesperson for the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s public service campaign, Think About the Link®. The goal of the campaign is to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!®.

Hudson will discuss cancer prevention as it relates to the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 40,000 cases of HPV-related cancers will be diagnosed this year; they include cervical, vaginal, vulvar, oropharyngeal (back of throat), penile and anal cancers. There is a vaccine for boys and girls aged 11 to 12 available to protect people from HPV and the cancers it can cause.

Right now this message is more important than ever, because a lot of routine cancer screenings and vaccinations were postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. As restrictions are lifting, it’s critical that people get their appointments back on the books – and it’s especially important to get kids in for their scheduled vaccinations, including the HPV vaccine.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is the only U.S.-based nonprofit organization solely dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection. Their mission is saving lives across all populations through cancer prevention and early detection. Their vision is to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!®.