May 2024

Breaking News: Senate Reviewing Support for Prostate Cancer Research

This is an extremely important week for prostate cancer research, and the next few days, in particular, are critical to ensure robust funding for the Prostate Cancer Research Program or PCRP. The PCRP has saved thousands of lives with the development of eight new treatments and diagnostics for prostate cancer. Right now, a letter of support is circulating in the Senate about this program, but it's open for just a few days. We need all hands on deck! Your voice matters, so take action now by clicking the link below to tell your elected leaders to support this program.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

A prostate cancer diagnosis can be an emotionally challenging time. No matter where you are in your prostate cancer journey, it helps to know that resources, support, and information are always available. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you and your loved ones to use our free patient support programs.

• Us TOO^(R) Support Groups: These in-person and virtual groups provide patients, survivors, and care partners a safe place to discuss concerns, feelings, and hardships.
• MENtor: This one-to-one peer support network matches patients with trained mentors who share their experiences to help make informed decisions about treatment and survivorship.
• ZERO360: Find assistance with insurance claims, billing issues, cost-of-living expenses, and emotional support through our helpline.

You can also join our private Facebook group or Inspire to share stories, ask questions, get advice, and connect with others.

ZERO Welcomes First-Ever Chief Mission Officer

Brian Bragg joins ZERO Prostate Cancer as our first-ever Chief Mission Officer. Bragg will lead our bold mission-first strategy to reduce late-stage diagnoses, improve patient quality and quantity of life. He will spearhead continued efforts to center health equity solutions into all education, support, and advocacy work.

For more than 24 years, Bragg served in leadership positions overseeing health initiatives at Access Community Health Network (ACCESS) in Chicago, one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the United States. Most recently, as the Vice President of Health Equity, he advanced critical programs in primary care, behavioral health, and infectious disease with a focus on addressing health disparities.

"I'm honored to be part of ZERO Prostate Cancer's stellar team. Investing in early detection measures, community outreach and engagement, and advancing access to quality care for all are critical steps to saving and extending more lives," said Brian Bragg.

Kentucky Governor Signs Historic Cancer Bill Into Law

Governor Andy Beshear has signed into law landmark legislation that will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for high-risk men being screened for prostate cancer and other cancer screenings. Out-of-pocket costs pose barriers to prostate cancer detection and treatment, disproportionately impacting lower-income individuals, people of color, and those with limited healthcare access.

ZERO Prostate Cancer spearheaded advocacy efforts for this bill. Championed by Representative Deanna Frazier Gordon (R) and in partnership with FORCE, the American Cancer Society, the American Urological Association, and Merck, ZERO built a coalition to prioritize the importance of removing barriers to cancer screening.

Upon receiving Governor Beshear's signature, the bill joins similar state legislative initiatives in Illinois, Maryland, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island, reinforcing the importance of accessible early detection in combating prostate cancer.

Leading Experts Join Medical Advisory Board

Dr. Jonathan Leeman and Dr. Leanne Woods-Burnham join ZERO's national Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Leeman and Dr. Woods-Burnham bring a unique perspective and expertise to the multidisciplinary team of medical professionals.

Dr. Jonathan Leeman is Director of MRI-guided radiotherapy at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA, and Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School. His vast clinical knowledge in MRI-guided and adaptive radiotherapy and his dedication to improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects will help inform and advance ZERO's education and support programs.

Dr. Leanne Woods-Burnham, Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, specializes in prostate cancer health disparities. Dr. Burnham's research focuses on ancestry and Black men with prostate cancer, aiming to improve clinical outcomes.

CCO Patient Tool Resource Highlight: Patient-Focused Prostate Cancer Treatment Tool Looking for guidance on your advanced prostate cancer treatment? Check out this interactive tool from Clinical Care Options. Enter information about your diagnosis and receive treatment recommendations from five prostate cancer experts. Use the information as a discussion guide with your treatment team. Jumpstart your path to personalized care with this invaluable resource. » Find Treatment Options (This content is in partnership with Clinical Care Options)

Donate Your Donation Makes a Difference "I had a critical procedure that was not covered by insurance. I reached out to ZERO360, and my case manager walked me through every step of filing an insurance claim. I would not have been able to overturn my insurance company's decision without the assistance of ZERO." - Quintin, Baltimore, Maryland Your support enables us to help patients like Quintin overcome barriers to critical care. With your donation, you provide invaluable assistance to those facing prostate cancer, ensuring they receive the treatment and support they need. Join us in making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. » Support Patients like Quintin

Run/Walk Run/Walk Season Kicks Off This Month The 2024 ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk season kicks off on May 19th in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Join one of our 35 events across the country to celebrate survivors and make a difference for patients and their families. Can't make it to a local event? Sign up as a virtual participant and show your support from anywhere. » Visit zerocancer.run to find an event near you!

Facebook Live Join Our Facebook Live about Advanced Imaging Do you want to learn more about the latest advancements in imaging technology that could potentially improve your care? Join us for an informative Facebook Live about PSMA PET imaging. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 28, at 2 p.m. ET. This event is sponsored by Lantheus, a leader in innovative diagnostic imaging agents and products. Click here for a reminder about this Facebook Live. (This content is in partnership with Lantheus)

Clinical Trial Questions For Your Doctor: Clinical Trials Considering a clinical trial for prostate cancer treatment? Our guide provides essential questions to ask your doctor or trial coordinator: How can I find suitable clinical trials? What are the potential benefits and risks? Will trial participation affect future treatments? What are the potential side effects, and how can they be managed? Learn more about clinical trials on our website. » Read the QFYD Guide