February 2024

Breaking Down the Latest Prostate Cancer News

These past few weeks, prostate cancer has been in the national headlines and the news isn't good. First, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released a new report about the continued rise in prostate cancer diagnoses, including an increase in advanced prostate cancer cases. ACS's annual "Cancer Facts & Figures" estimates that in 2024, 299,010 men will be told they have prostate cancer, and 35,250 men will die from the disease.

Just days before this new report, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced he's recovering from prostate cancer surgery that took place in December. Then in late January, MLB Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg revealed that he's facing metastatic prostate cancer. And sadly, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s son, Dexter King, passed on January 22 after his battle with the disease.

As we begin Black History Month, we note that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane." One in six Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Research shows Black men are more than twice as likely to die from the disease than their white counterparts.

As part of a recent CNN article highlighting the stark racial disparities Black men face in prostate cancer, ZERO's CEO, Courtney Bugler, highlighted our efforts for new legislation to remove financial barriers to screening for those at high risk as well as ZERO's recommendation that Black men start talking to their doctors about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening at the age of 40.

The latest data from ACS reveals how crucial it is for Congress to step up and support early detection initiatives. Reach out to your legislators and urge them to join the fight against prostate cancer.

New Resources for Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients

Resources, support, and information for those diagnosed with advanced, or metastatic, prostate cancer are all just one click away.

Our new Interactive Decision Support Tool provides advanced prostate cancer patients with opinions from five experts on prostate cancer treatment based on personalized information.

In addition, ZERO's latest issue of Advanced Prostate Cancer News is now available. This resource includes updates from experts, information about ZERO's Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative, and Prostate Cancer Support Programs.

Register for ZERO's Virtual Education Summit

You're invited to the 2024 Virtual ZERO Prostate Cancer Education & Support Summit. This year's event takes place March 12-14, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 PM Eastern Time daily.

Live and on-demand expert sessions will allow you to engage with world-renowned experts in urology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, social work, and more, discussing the latest in prostate cancer treatments, diagnostics, sexual health, and genetics all from the comfort of your home.

Our Keynote Speaker will be award-winning ABC News Correspondent Deborah Roberts, who will share insights into her and her husband Al Roker's journey with prostate cancer. This year's keynote will be presented in partnership with Bayer.

Community Advocates to Mobilize in D.C.

More than 120 advocates gather in Washington, D.C. this month to fight for policies that will save lives. After a full day of education and training, ZERO advocates head to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, February 28 to speak with elected representatives face-to-face about how they can better support our prostate cancer community.

Advocates from around the country will work to protect millions of dollars in crucial research funding and to expand access to prostate cancer screenings for those at high risk. Patients, survivors, and their loved ones will share their personal journeys with lawmakers in an effort to make a significant impact and shape a better future for patients and families.

With new legislation on the table, the PSA for HIM Act, this could be one of the most important years for our cause and our mission to end prostate cancer. Don't sit on the sidelines, sign up today to be one of our advocates.

Blog Series A Forum For Her Kathie Houchens and Karen Bernatis lead a number of ZERO's Us TOO support groups. Their 3-part blog series, "A Forum for Her," captures a small part of the female partner experience. 20+ women candidly share the emotional and practical impact of their partner's prostate cancer journey. They discuss topics ranging from self-care tips to navigating treatment decisions as a couple. Check out the full blog series. » Read the full blog series

Blue Jacket Fashion On Demand: Blue Runway, Bold Mission Relive the excitement and see celebrities walk the blue carpet at the eighth annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show to raise awareness for prostate cancer. This unique event blends fashion, entertainment, sports, and healthcare to highlight health disparities in prostate cancer among Black men and underserved communities. ZERO Prostate Cancer is proud to be a charity partner. Watch it on-demand on ZERO'S YouTube channel. » Watch on YouTube

Champions Corner Meet Bob Lane Bob has been a true champion for some time! He is passionate about helping others going through their prostate cancer journey and encouraging them to seek support. Bob is a ZERO MENtor and works with our host practice volunteering two days a week. Bob is retired from the insurance industry and uses his connections to start workplace awareness campaigns and create new relationships for ZERO. He currently lives with his wife, Fran, in Charlotte, North Carolina. » Become a Champion

BBAs Bold for Blue Awards The Bold for Blue Awards honor ZERO Prostate Cancer Champions who make a significant impact in the battle against prostate cancer. Whether they are teams, individuals, corporations, or devoted warriors in the prostate cancer community, these inspiring champions consistently raise awareness, and funds, and make a lasting difference year after year. Watch the awards live on Sunday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET on YouTube. » Watch the Bold for Blue Awards

Support Leader Become A Support Group Leader Become an Us TOO support group leader and empower others with knowledge that comes from shared experience. As a leader, you'll get access to free materials and webinars, connect with other leaders across the country, and learn from experts on prostate cancer issues. Make a difference by leading a group in your community. Contact Terri Likowski at supportgroups@zerocancer.org to get started. » Learn More about Support Group Leadership