The Power of Partnerships and YOU in Patient Advocacy

As we head into 2024, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible efforts we at ZERO, along with countless organizations, practices, and industry partners are working on together to help move the needle for the prostate cancer community. The patient truly is our North Star and at the center of all that we do.

The shared passion among all of us working in the prostate cancer community motivates us on both a personal level and a professional level to do more, think outside the box, and work to meet the needs of everyone impacted by prostate cancer. We believe that all people should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive prostate cancer, regardless of race, sexual orientation, financial resources, physical abilities, or area of residence. 

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and that number becomes even more staggering for Black and African American men as it increases to one in six. We know that being Black or of African descent, age, and having a family history of prostate cancer increases your chances of being diagnosed. These disparities have existed for decades and are unacceptable.

ZERO, together with strategic partners like Johnson & Johnson, is working to eliminate health disparities, help patients understand complicated treatment information, empower patients to play an active role in their care, and ensure patients, especially those at the highest risk, have access to potentially lifesaving early detection. We know that empowered patients make better decisions about their health. That’s why we are collaborating with Johnson & Johnson to study and implement better ways to share clinical data that patients can more easily consume and understand to make more educated decisions.

It is also why our advocacy efforts with the PSA for Him Act (HR 1826/S 2821) are so important to advance. Studies have shown that even the smallest amount in cost-sharing is a barrier to access for many. Too many vulnerable groups delay getting tested for prostate cancer and this bill would require insurance providers to cover PSA tests for the highest-risk patients at no cost, similar to other important cancer screenings. 

To build on our current momentum, your help to support the PSA for Him Act is needed today.  Getting support from additional Members of Congress is critical, which means they need to hear from YOU - constituent input is key to Congressional decision making. Join fellow prostate cancer supporters nationwide by taking just two minutes to ask your Members of Congress to cosponsor the PSA for HIM Act. 

With an estimated 288,000+ men in America being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 alone, the urgency to act has never been greater. You have the power to make a difference this holiday season.