Every 3.3 minutes a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Many of these men know very little about the prostate, what diagnosis will entail, and most importantly, options for treatment. It is a very scary time for men and also the time when many realize the importance of prostate cancer support groups.
Prostate cancer is highly treatable and there are multiple organizations whose mission is to help educate as well as provide support to men and their families dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis. These support networks engage survivors to talk about the disease, treatment options and post-treatment quality of life expectations. The list of resources available is extensive- here are just a few of Isoray’s recommended patient advocacy groups and organizations.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is arguably one of the largest patient advocacy groups in the world and primarily funds the most promising research to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of prostate cancer to ultimately cure it for good. Over the last two decades, PCF has raised more than $660 million and provided funding to more than 2,000 research projects at more than 200 cancer centers and universities in 19 countries around the world.
Their website is filled with educational materials including information on prostate cancer risk factors, treatment options, side effects, opportunities to participate in a clinical trial, and a downloadable prostate cancer patient guide.
Website https://www.pcf.org/
Contact Information info@pcf.org / 1.800.757.CURE (2873)
Us Too
Us TOO was founded by and continues to be run by people who have been directly affected by prostate cancer. Founded in 1990, Us Too serves as a resource of volunteers who offer peer-to-peer support and educational materials to men and their families so they are better able to make informed decisions about prostate cancer detection and treatment options. Us Too offers free PSA tests, support groups, and access to clinical trials.
Their organization’s mission is clear and represented by the acronym SEA: “Us TOO International is pleased to provide our peers in the prostate cancer community with Support Services, Educational Resources, and Advocacy & Awareness Initiatives.”
Website http://www.ustoo.org/Home
Contact Information ustoo@ustoo.org / 630.795.1002
The Prostate Cancer Free Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Free Foundation works to help people interested in, and affected by prostate cancer through education and research. The Foundation is supported by the members of the Prostate Cancer Results Study Group. The Prostate Cancer Results Study Group evaluates and compares the effectiveness and long term results of various prostate cancer treatments.
They find studies, analyze outcomes, and present the data in a clear, digestible way so that men better understand and can make informed decisions regarding their treatment. The graph is updated regularly and provided to a large network of patients and physicians around the world.
To take a look at the latest iteration of the chart click here.
Website http://www.prostatecancerfree.org
Contact information@pctrf.org / 206.453.2987
Project ZERO
ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer is a leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer. ZERO offers comprehensive support for prostate cancer patients, starting with education through their website, printed materials, videos and webinars.
As a national leader in prostate cancer advocacy, ZERO works to protect and grow federal research funding on key prostate cancer treatments that extend and improve the lives of men. Annually, the organization hosts a summit that brings together hundreds of advocates from around the country to make prostate cancer a priority within the federal government, state legislatures, and communities. For men with advanced prostate cancer, who cannot afford treatment, ZERO’s financial assistance program has provided grants to more than 48,000 men.
Website https://zerocancer.org/
Contact info@zerocancer.org / 202.463.9455
Movember Group
The Movember Group starts men’s health conversations by making a statement with their facial hair. The group, which was started by a pair of mustache clad young men, sparked a movement in men’s health.
Movember is dedicated to total men’s health and raise awareness around and addressing testicular cancer, prostate cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The people who follow the organization, “Mo Bros” and “Mo Sistas,” have helped to fund more than 1,200 projects saving and improving the lives of men all around the world. For prostate cancer specifically, the group gathers some of the best minds to help create tailored treatment plans, and lobby to influence governments to provide affordable treatment and to get new therapies into practice faster.
Website https://us.movember.com/
Contact info.us@movember.com / 310.450.3399
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and want to know about all of your available treatment options, including brachytherapy, please contact patienteducation@isoray.flywheelstaging.com
If you are a physician and would like to know more about how Cesium-131 may improve patient outcomes, email customerservice@isoray.flywheelstaging.com
