September Is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month ZERO to 30: Thirty Years of Progress, Purpose, and PromiseIn 1996, a group of prostate cancer survivors, families, and advocates refused to accept the status quo. Prostate cancer was the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, yet it lacked the research funding, public awareness, and political will it deserved. So they built it themselves.What began as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, a collective voice demanding to be heard, has grown into ZERO Prostate Cancer. Over three decades, ZERO has evolved from a grassroots advocacy movement into a full-spectrum force: shaping federal research investment, pioneering community health programs, advocating landmark legislation, and standing beside every person living with prostate cancer and family navigating their journey.These milestones aren't just achievements. They are lives extended. Barriers removed. The result of an organization that has never stopped pushing forward.From securing more than $2.5 billion in federal research funding to screening 130,000+ men at no cost, from helping enact no-cost PSA screening laws in nine states to launching the most ambitious prostate cancer equity initiative in U.S. history, ZERO's story is one of relentless progress.Thirty years in, the mission is the same. The urgency is greater. And ZERO is just getting started.Be part of the next 30 years of progress by taking the Prostate Cancer BEACON Survey. TIMELINE OF PROGRESS: 1996 1997 1997-2024 2000's 2008 1996 Foundation Founded as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancerEstablished to create public awareness and a collective voice for the prostate cancer movement 1997 PCRP Establishment Advocacy led to the creation of the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP)Initial funding: $45 millionBrought the face of prostate cancer to Congress with testimony from survivors and families 1997-2024 PCRP Growth Through sustained advocacy, ZERO helped grow PCRP funding from $45 million (1997) to $110 million (2024)Total PCRP funding secured: Over $2.5 billion in congressional appropriationsResults: 3,900+ research proposals funded, leading to 12 new FDA-approved treatments and diagnostics 2000's Mobile Screening Initiative Pioneered Drive Against Prostate Cancer programProvided free mobile prostate cancer screening across the nationTested more than 130,000 at-risk men, alerting them to potentially life-saving information 2008 Name Change Organization became ZERO — The Project to End Prostate CancerLater evolved to ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer before updating to ZERO Prostate Cancer in 2023. The evolution reflects a more focused approach to eliminating the stigma and barriers impacting survival: Zero Stigma. Zero Barriers. 2010's - 2020's 2021 2020's 2025 2026 2010's - 2020's State-Level PSA Legislation Success Championed PSA for HIM Act (PSA Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act) at state and federal levelsSuccessfully advocated for no-cost PSA screening laws in multiple states, including:○ Illinois, Rhode Island, New York, Maryland (early adopters)○ Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Washington D.C. (recent)○ Alabama (2026) Nine states now guarantee coverage of prostate cancer screening without copays or cost-sharingEliminated financial barriers for high-risk populations: African American men, those with family history, BRCA mutations, and Veterans 2021 Landmark Merger with Us TOO International Merged with Us TOO International, the nation's first prostate cancer support group network (founded 1990); 200+ support groups across North AmericaCreated "a single prostate cancer support powerhouse" and gave ZERO the largest support group network in the countryWelcomed four Us TOO board members to the ZERO Board of Directors. 2020's Expanded Programs & Services ZERO360 Program: Provided personalized assistance to 5,300+ patients with $8+ million in debt reliefRun/Walk Series: Over 15 years, raised $35+ million in funding and awareness2022 Milestone: Served 815,000 patients and caregivers through website, webinars, and patient support programsSupported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families 2025 Historic National Initiative Launched Blitz the Barriers with lead founding partner NovartisThe most ambitious initiative in the history of U.S. prostate cancer programs and servicesA $20 million investment into communities hit hardest by prostate cancerNovartis joined by founding partner AstraZeneca in 2026Community partners include Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, Association of Oncology Social Workers, and more 2026 New Programs & Focus Areas Community Innovation Grants: $250,000 awarded to five nonprofits (2026, sponsored by Bayer)ZACH AI Support: Launched 24/7 AI-powered text support companionZERO Peaks Challenge: Groundbreaking awareness and fundraising programHealth Equity Focus: Addressing disparities, particularly for Black men (1 in 6 diagnosed, 2x mortality rate), Veterans, and men living in rural communities.Federal Advocacy: Leading 2026 advocacy efforts for PSA for HIM Act at federal level, CDC outreach funding, and PCRP protection Act Today to Make a Difference As the nation's #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, we’ve supported millions of people at risk or diagnosed, and their families. This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, take action to help us close gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care. Donate This September, a generous matching gift up to $50,000 means your donation goes further than ever to help save lives from prostate cancer. Take the Prostate Cancer BEACON Survey Your lived experience will guide prostate cancer research, treatment, and support for decades to come. Sign Up for a Run/Walk Show up for the men you love and join a ZERO Run/Walk in your community and take strides that make a real difference for men and families impacted by prostate cancer. Fundraise Your Own Way Whether it's a DIY event, a memorial, or a tribute, your fundraiser is your story and every dollar raised makes a real difference for men and families affected by prostate cancer. Advocate No matter who you are, where you live, or who your elected officials are, you have the power to make sure that prostate cancer research, early detection, and quality treatments are a national priority. Participate in the ZERO Peaks Challenge Turn your next adventure into action. Join ZERO's Everest Base Camp trek and raise critical funds for men and families impacted by prostate cancer, one powerful step at a time. Upcoming Events Connect. Learn. Take Action. Join ZERO throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and beyond for community events, Run/Walks, educational programs, and advocacy. 09 2026 September THU 17 SEP Webinar Virtual Real Solutions for Real Side Effects: A Hormone Therapy Panel Register for Webinar → SAT 19 SEP Run/Walk ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Houston, TX Capital Area, DC/VA Philadelphia, PA Find Your Run/Walk → SAT 26 SEP Run/Walk ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Austin, TX Chicago, IL Charlotte, NC Tampa, FL Find Your Run/Walk → SAT 26 SEP Community Baltimore, MD Blitz the Barriers Prostate Health Celebration & Empowerment Summit A free community event bringing together patients, survivors, caregivers, and families for education, support, awareness, and advocacy. Event Details → SUN 27 SEP Run/Walk ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Boston, MA Sacramento, CA Find Your Run/Walk → 10 2026 October SAT 10 OCT Community Atlanta, GA Blitz the Barriers Empowerment Summit Event Details → TUE 27 OCT Webinar Virtual The State of Caregiving: Real Caregivers, Real Stories, Real Support Register for Webinar → 02 2027 February FEB 21–23 2027 Advocacy Washington, DC ZERO Prostate Cancer Advocacy Summit Join advocates from across the country for community-building, education, training, and advocacy on Capitol Hill. Summit Details → Other Ways to Stay Connected Find a Support Group Find a Support Group ZERO offers more than 160 support groups, both in-person locally and in a virtual setting, that everyone can join regardless of location. Download Educational Materials Download Educational Materials Download a wide range of prostate cancer educational materials and questions for your doctor, in formats that are easy to print at home or email to others. ZERO can also send you select printed materials by mail, for sharing with your healthcare community, at local events, and within support groups. Become an Advocate Become an Advocate Your voice matters. It is the most important factor in decisions about prostate cancer research funding, early detection, and high-quality care. Sign up for the ZERO newsletter Enter your email Where did you learn about us? Share Your Story My prostate cancer diagnosis turned my world upside-down, and I felt so alone. Then with just one phone call, my life changed. The support I received from ZERO was amazing and connected me with resources I didn't even know existed. Because of generous donors like you, I can focus on what is most important: my health. — Ted Healy, Prostate Cancer Patient SHARE YOUR STORY Sponsors Prostate Cancer Awareness Month matching gift opportunity × MAKE A GIFT
ZERO to 30: Thirty Years of Progress, Purpose, and PromiseIn 1996, a group of prostate cancer survivors, families, and advocates refused to accept the status quo. Prostate cancer was the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, yet it lacked the research funding, public awareness, and political will it deserved. So they built it themselves.What began as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, a collective voice demanding to be heard, has grown into ZERO Prostate Cancer. Over three decades, ZERO has evolved from a grassroots advocacy movement into a full-spectrum force: shaping federal research investment, pioneering community health programs, advocating landmark legislation, and standing beside every person living with prostate cancer and family navigating their journey.These milestones aren't just achievements. They are lives extended. Barriers removed. The result of an organization that has never stopped pushing forward.From securing more than $2.5 billion in federal research funding to screening 130,000+ men at no cost, from helping enact no-cost PSA screening laws in nine states to launching the most ambitious prostate cancer equity initiative in U.S. history, ZERO's story is one of relentless progress.Thirty years in, the mission is the same. The urgency is greater. And ZERO is just getting started.Be part of the next 30 years of progress by taking the Prostate Cancer BEACON Survey.
TIMELINE OF PROGRESS: 1996 1997 1997-2024 2000's 2008 1996 Foundation Founded as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancerEstablished to create public awareness and a collective voice for the prostate cancer movement 1997 PCRP Establishment Advocacy led to the creation of the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP)Initial funding: $45 millionBrought the face of prostate cancer to Congress with testimony from survivors and families 1997-2024 PCRP Growth Through sustained advocacy, ZERO helped grow PCRP funding from $45 million (1997) to $110 million (2024)Total PCRP funding secured: Over $2.5 billion in congressional appropriationsResults: 3,900+ research proposals funded, leading to 12 new FDA-approved treatments and diagnostics 2000's Mobile Screening Initiative Pioneered Drive Against Prostate Cancer programProvided free mobile prostate cancer screening across the nationTested more than 130,000 at-risk men, alerting them to potentially life-saving information 2008 Name Change Organization became ZERO — The Project to End Prostate CancerLater evolved to ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer before updating to ZERO Prostate Cancer in 2023. The evolution reflects a more focused approach to eliminating the stigma and barriers impacting survival: Zero Stigma. Zero Barriers.
2010's - 2020's 2021 2020's 2025 2026 2010's - 2020's State-Level PSA Legislation Success Championed PSA for HIM Act (PSA Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act) at state and federal levelsSuccessfully advocated for no-cost PSA screening laws in multiple states, including:○ Illinois, Rhode Island, New York, Maryland (early adopters)○ Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Washington D.C. (recent)○ Alabama (2026) Nine states now guarantee coverage of prostate cancer screening without copays or cost-sharingEliminated financial barriers for high-risk populations: African American men, those with family history, BRCA mutations, and Veterans 2021 Landmark Merger with Us TOO International Merged with Us TOO International, the nation's first prostate cancer support group network (founded 1990); 200+ support groups across North AmericaCreated "a single prostate cancer support powerhouse" and gave ZERO the largest support group network in the countryWelcomed four Us TOO board members to the ZERO Board of Directors. 2020's Expanded Programs & Services ZERO360 Program: Provided personalized assistance to 5,300+ patients with $8+ million in debt reliefRun/Walk Series: Over 15 years, raised $35+ million in funding and awareness2022 Milestone: Served 815,000 patients and caregivers through website, webinars, and patient support programsSupported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families 2025 Historic National Initiative Launched Blitz the Barriers with lead founding partner NovartisThe most ambitious initiative in the history of U.S. prostate cancer programs and servicesA $20 million investment into communities hit hardest by prostate cancerNovartis joined by founding partner AstraZeneca in 2026Community partners include Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, Association of Oncology Social Workers, and more 2026 New Programs & Focus Areas Community Innovation Grants: $250,000 awarded to five nonprofits (2026, sponsored by Bayer)ZACH AI Support: Launched 24/7 AI-powered text support companionZERO Peaks Challenge: Groundbreaking awareness and fundraising programHealth Equity Focus: Addressing disparities, particularly for Black men (1 in 6 diagnosed, 2x mortality rate), Veterans, and men living in rural communities.Federal Advocacy: Leading 2026 advocacy efforts for PSA for HIM Act at federal level, CDC outreach funding, and PCRP protection
Act Today to Make a Difference As the nation's #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, we’ve supported millions of people at risk or diagnosed, and their families. This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, take action to help us close gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care. Donate This September, a generous matching gift up to $50,000 means your donation goes further than ever to help save lives from prostate cancer. Take the Prostate Cancer BEACON Survey Your lived experience will guide prostate cancer research, treatment, and support for decades to come. Sign Up for a Run/Walk Show up for the men you love and join a ZERO Run/Walk in your community and take strides that make a real difference for men and families impacted by prostate cancer. Fundraise Your Own Way Whether it's a DIY event, a memorial, or a tribute, your fundraiser is your story and every dollar raised makes a real difference for men and families affected by prostate cancer. Advocate No matter who you are, where you live, or who your elected officials are, you have the power to make sure that prostate cancer research, early detection, and quality treatments are a national priority. Participate in the ZERO Peaks Challenge Turn your next adventure into action. Join ZERO's Everest Base Camp trek and raise critical funds for men and families impacted by prostate cancer, one powerful step at a time.
Upcoming Events Connect. Learn. Take Action. Join ZERO throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and beyond for community events, Run/Walks, educational programs, and advocacy. 09 2026 September THU 17 SEP Webinar Virtual Real Solutions for Real Side Effects: A Hormone Therapy Panel Register for Webinar → SAT 19 SEP Run/Walk ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Houston, TX Capital Area, DC/VA Philadelphia, PA Find Your Run/Walk → SAT 26 SEP Run/Walk ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Austin, TX Chicago, IL Charlotte, NC Tampa, FL Find Your Run/Walk → SAT 26 SEP Community Baltimore, MD Blitz the Barriers Prostate Health Celebration & Empowerment Summit A free community event bringing together patients, survivors, caregivers, and families for education, support, awareness, and advocacy. Event Details → SUN 27 SEP Run/Walk ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Boston, MA Sacramento, CA Find Your Run/Walk → 10 2026 October SAT 10 OCT Community Atlanta, GA Blitz the Barriers Empowerment Summit Event Details → TUE 27 OCT Webinar Virtual The State of Caregiving: Real Caregivers, Real Stories, Real Support Register for Webinar → 02 2027 February FEB 21–23 2027 Advocacy Washington, DC ZERO Prostate Cancer Advocacy Summit Join advocates from across the country for community-building, education, training, and advocacy on Capitol Hill. Summit Details →
THU 17 SEP Webinar Virtual Real Solutions for Real Side Effects: A Hormone Therapy Panel Register for Webinar →
SAT 19 SEP Run/Walk ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Houston, TX Capital Area, DC/VA Philadelphia, PA Find Your Run/Walk →
SAT 26 SEP Run/Walk ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Austin, TX Chicago, IL Charlotte, NC Tampa, FL Find Your Run/Walk →
SAT 26 SEP Community Baltimore, MD Blitz the Barriers Prostate Health Celebration & Empowerment Summit A free community event bringing together patients, survivors, caregivers, and families for education, support, awareness, and advocacy. Event Details →
TUE 27 OCT Webinar Virtual The State of Caregiving: Real Caregivers, Real Stories, Real Support Register for Webinar →
FEB 21–23 2027 Advocacy Washington, DC ZERO Prostate Cancer Advocacy Summit Join advocates from across the country for community-building, education, training, and advocacy on Capitol Hill. Summit Details →
Other Ways to Stay Connected Find a Support Group Find a Support Group ZERO offers more than 160 support groups, both in-person locally and in a virtual setting, that everyone can join regardless of location. Download Educational Materials Download Educational Materials Download a wide range of prostate cancer educational materials and questions for your doctor, in formats that are easy to print at home or email to others. ZERO can also send you select printed materials by mail, for sharing with your healthcare community, at local events, and within support groups. Become an Advocate Become an Advocate Your voice matters. It is the most important factor in decisions about prostate cancer research funding, early detection, and high-quality care.
Share Your Story My prostate cancer diagnosis turned my world upside-down, and I felt so alone. Then with just one phone call, my life changed. The support I received from ZERO was amazing and connected me with resources I didn't even know existed. Because of generous donors like you, I can focus on what is most important: my health. — Ted Healy, Prostate Cancer Patient SHARE YOUR STORY
