AUA ADVOCACY Patient Advocacy: Reflections From the ZERO Prostate Cancer Summit

May 6, 2024

Group of ZERO Advocates on Capitol Steps in DC

In this thought-provoking piece, ZERO board members Tom Hulsey and Teedra Bernard share their personal experiences with prostate cancer and the importance of patient advocacy.

Teedra's father's victorious battle with prostate cancer and Tom's own life-saving early detection through a PSA test have fueled their passion for advocacy. They reflect on the business notion that "the customer is always right" and its relevance to patient advocacy, particularly for those facing cancer.

Tom and Teedra emphasize the crucial role of patient advocates in giving voice to those in need and ensuring their demands are met. ZERO's annual summit brings together these important leaders to advocate for patient-centered care, which extends beyond traditional medical treatment to address patients' mental, psychological, and social well-being.

The article highlights the disparities in prostate cancer outcomes among underserved Black and Hispanic populations and the importance of clear communication from physicians in overcoming language barriers and addressing health concerns effectively. ZERO supports legislation to eliminate cost-sharing for prostate cancer screenings, as even small costs can be a barrier to access for vulnerable groups.

The authors propose a provocative idea: tying physician rewards to patient advocacy rather than treatment volume. They stress the importance of robust support networks and cultural sensitivity in healthcare, drawing on their personal experiences with prostate cancer and the support they received from family, friends, and advocacy organizations like ZERO.

The ZERO Summit left them with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to spreading awareness and supporting the battle against prostate cancer within a community of advocates.

Read the full article by the AUA here

Contributors

Middle-aged man with blond hair and glasses smiling at the camera

Tom Hulsey, Member, Board of Directors

Tom Hulsey is a prostate cancer survivor, endurance athlete, and champion for ZERO. As a member of Team ZERO, Tom represented ZERO at several high-profile events including the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona in 2016 and raised significant funds to help end the disease. His journey and ability to achieve physical feats have inspired many in the prostate cancer community.

African American woman with a slick haircut and wearing black suit

Teedra Bernard, Member, Board of Directors

Teedra Bernard is the Chief Talent and Diversity Officer of TransUnion (NYSE: TRU), a leading global information solutions provider using the power of information to help people around the world access financial opportunities. She is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and as a diversity practitioner, she understands how critical it is to provide opportunities for career advancement and to create platforms that influence long-lasting change. Teedra holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management & Development from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Michigan State University. She resides in the Chicago area with her husband and their son.

After learning of her father’s prostate cancer diagnosis, Teedra aligned herself with a mission of bringing awareness of prevention, education and treatment to Black men of her community.