3.1 million men in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are still alive today. While prostate cancer kills 1 in 41 men, the spike in promoting early screening and detection has saved many lives.
“The most basic message is especially important right now: don’t delay your prostate cancer screening and seek medical advice for concerning symptoms,” Amanda Harper, director of media relations at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCC) says. “We don’t want people to delay screening out of fear during the pandemic.”
The American Cancer Society found that in 2020, more men were diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and fewer were diagnosed in the earlier stages of the disease. This concerns Harper greatly, as early detection can decrease that number and increase chance of recovery.
Dr. Edmund Folefac, a medical oncologist with OSUCC-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, agrees that screening is essential.
“If the disease is caught before spreading, within five years, we believe that patient will be living,” Folefac says. “If it spreads, that number decreases.”
Today, there are many methods for treating prostate cancer. Folefac says he sees many different kinds of patients who require completely unique forms of treatment. From surgery to radiation therapy to hormone therapy and more, he’s always focused on clear communication with his patients.
“I really try to talk to my patients and let them know all the options,” Folefac says. “There is no routine cancer. What we mean by that is, there is not one treatment – the same goes for prostate cancer.”
More than 500 clinical trials are open at any given time at the OSUCCC, with more positive advancements occurring every day. One interesting study focused on soy tomato juice. Some research, such as a study done by OSU’s Steve Clinton, suggests diets rich in tomato products and soy may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. While Folefac does not disregard the possibilities, he says applying results seen in a petri dish isn’t the same when applied to a human.
However, he’s certainly not against including more fruits and vegetables in a diet.
“You forget that diet and exercise is no longer just important for daily health,” Folefac says. “We’re finding that some cancers can be attributed to not eating a proper diet.”
He’s hopeful and confident about continued new advancements in screening and treating.
“We can only treat people we see in our clinic,” he says. “The media is so important in getting the right message out. The future looks very bright for prostate cancer treatment.”
The heroes in ZERO
The number of prostate cancer cases this organization hopes to see in the future: Zero.
ZERO is the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, a group formed to be an extension of support for men and their families impacted by prostate cancer. It not only brought to light the personal destruction prostate cancer wrecks on lives by spearheading the Department of Defense’s Prostate Cancer Research Program, but ZERO also pioneered free mobile prostate cancer screening across the U.S.
“ZERO is, first and foremost, a family,” says Communications Director Ilana Ostrin. “This is a family dedicated to ending prostate cancer and providing support for patients and families.”
Support is not only needed in times of physical weakness for cancer patients. Many men endure negative mental health impacts while battling the disease.
“A study from University of Queensland, Australia, found that stress can suppress the immune system, making the patient’s body less receptive of treatment,” Ostrin says. “So, it’s extremely important for patients to do what they can do reduce stress.”
ZERO helps patients practice mindfulness, meditation, suggests time outdoors and recommends resources for professional help, if needed. And while the organization and experts alike claim that knowledge is the first step to fighting prostate cancer, the topic can be daunting to those diagnosed.
“It is a scary topic,” Ostrin says. “But taking the initiative to become informed about prostate cancer may save the life of you or a loved one.”
And a November, dubbed Movember in honor of men’s health issues, is a great time to begin learning and advocating for research.
ZERO’s virtual tee-off encourages golfers to play a game, whether it’s 18 holes, a driving range or a putt-putt course, and raise money for advocacy programs, patient support and research. While participants can tee-up anywhere and anytime, the main celebration is online on Sunday, November at 2 p.m. ZERO will be hosting special guests and having talks with the #ZEROstrong team.
Another popular way to get involved in Movember is No Shave November, a self-fundraising campaign where people challenge themselves and others to grow their beards to fundraise ZERO’s efforts.
“Take the opportunity to spread awareness about prostate cancer,” Ostrin says. “One bit of information could save a life.”
Mallory Arnold is an editor. Feedback welcomed at marnold@cityscenemediagroup.com.
