Women Against Prostate Cancer » | Women Against Prostate Cancer

Clinical Trials and You

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:45:51 +0000

Are clinical trials right for you or a loved one? Choosing a treatment, or choosing no treatment after a prostate cancer diagnosis or recurrence can be a overwhelming and scary experience, whether you are the one diagnosed or a loved one along for the ride. There’s radiation therapy, prostatectomy, active surveillance, hormone therapy each with their advantages and challenges. These decisions require in-depth conversations with healthcare providers, research, and often involve discussions with family and loved ones. Yet there’s another option, which isn’t often top of mind for patients and families during this time, clinical trials. Learn more about clinical trials and explore another option in your prostate cancer journey.

Have more questions about clinical trials? Check out our clinical trials fact sheet here. And current prostate cancer clinical trials here.

No related posts.

“It’s Worth the Fight” against Advanced Prostate Cancer

admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:00:13 +0000

“It’s Worth the Fight” is a program designed to shine a light on the special needs of men with advanced prostate cancer. While the program specifically targets veterans, it is relevant for all men at risk of or living with prostate cancer. Supported by Sanofi US in collaboration with Men’s Health Network (MHN), Women Against Prostate Cancer (WAPC), and the Veterans Health Council (VHC), the campaign calls upon men (along with the women and family members in their lives) to summon their resolve to help themselves fight this disease.

Click here to learn why ‘It’s Worth the Fight’ against advanced prostate cancer.
Click on the PDF for a Self-Assessment and Discussion Guid e you can use to talk to your health care team about advanced prostate cancer.

US.CAB.11.10.032

WAPC Responds to Updated Recommendations on PSA Screening

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:35:08 +0000

As you have probably seen by now, last Friday the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released draft recommendations downgrading prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing to a “grade D recommendation.” In other words, they recommend against screening in healthy men that “do not have symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer, regardless of age, race or family history.”

We find these recommendations highly troublesome. Since the use of PSA began in the early 90’s deaths from prostate cancer have gone down. And prostate cancer still kills over 32,000 men each year. A recommendation against screening will discourage men from having an informed discussion with their physicians about whether they should consider prostate screening given their individual risk.

We strongly believe that PSA testing in combination with a digital rectal exam, when properly translated, can be an important tool in helping to diagnose prostate cancer. While we remain very hopeful hopeful about the promise of new and better biomarkers that are in the pipeline to help accurately diagnose and discern between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancers, PSA is the best tool we have right now.

As you may know, early prostate cancer often has no symptoms and If we wait until men start to see symptoms for prostate cancer then it is likely that it will be found in it’s advanced stages when treatment is less likely to be effective.

More education is needed to let men know that not all prostate cancers are aggressive and that a man can choose to treat or utilize active surveillance, but a man has a right to know if he has cancer in order to make an informed decision on how to move forward.

Betty Gallo, Co-founder of WAPC shared, “The USPSTF sites concerns about over-treatment of prostate cancer, but prostate cancer screening in itself does not lead to over-treatment. More work needs to be done to educate men about the option of active surveillance as well as the side effects that may accompany some forms of treatment. I am firmly convinced that if PSA had been routinely in use when my husband, former Congressman Dean Gallo, was alive his cancer would have been caught early and he may still be with us today.”

We encourage men and their loved ones to engage in an informed discussion with their doctor about whether PSA screening is appropriate for them, especially men who are at high risk, including African American men, men with a family history, and veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

We encourage you to make your voices heard on this topic by:

Reading the recommendations set forth by the USPSTF.
Sending your comments to USPSTF.
Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your concern over the new recommendations.

Women Against Prostate Cancer Responds to Updated Recommendations on PSA Screening

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:44:45 +0000

Washington, DC—October 10, 2011 – Women Against Prostate Cancer’s (WAPC) mission is to unite the voices and provide support for the women affected by prostate cancer. WAPC is now raising its voice to show concern over the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) draft recommendations against the use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing in healthy men that “do not have symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer, regardless of age, race or family history.”

“These recommendations are seriously troublesome, since the use of PSA began in the early 90’s deaths from prostate cancer have gone down. Prostate cancer still kills over 32,000 men each year. If we wait until men start to see symptoms for prostate cancer then it is likely that it will be found in it’s advanced stages when treatment is less likely to be effective,” statedTheresa Morrow, Co-Founder of WAPC.

Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms and when interpreted appropriately the PSA test in combination with the digital rectal exam is currently the best method we have to identify prostate cancer in its early stages. In the next year or two, new biomarkers are expected to be put into place to help better detect prostate cancer and identify whether these cancers indolent or aggressive.

Betty Gallo, Director of Outreach and Government Relations at theGalloProstateCancerCenterof the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Co-founder of WAPC shared, “The USPSTF sites concerns about overtreatment of prostate cancer, but prostate cancer screening in itself does not lead to overtreatment. More work needs to be done to educate men about the option of active surveillance as well as the side effects that may accompany some forms of treatment. I am firmly convinced that if PSA had been routinely in use when my husband, former Congressman Dean Gallo, was alive his cancer would have been caught early and he may still be with us today.”

We encourage men and their loved ones to engage in an informed discussion with their doctor about whether PSA screening is appropriate for them, especially men who are at high risk including African American men, men with a family history, and veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

About WAPC
Women Against Prostate Cancer (WAPC) is a national organization working to unite the voices and provide support for the millions of women and their families affected by prostate cancer. WAPC advocates prostate cancer education, public awareness, screenings, legislation, and treatment options. Members of the group represent over 20 states and a variety of backgrounds and expertise. To learn more, visit us online at www.womenagainstprostatecancer.org.

Talking with Family and Friends About Cancer

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:56:03 +0000

It can be unfathomably frustrating when well-meaning friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances ask questions about the ways you and your family are affected by prostate cancer. Leaving an open-door policy can be helpful for maintaining positive relationships and getting help if and when you need it, but what do you say on days when you simply want to forget about everything related to prostate cancer? As a spouse or family member, you may have to field questions and advice from other friends and family, work, social groups and beyond; no matter who brings it up, take a deep breath and consider your many options.

1. Know your audience. You may choose to share different amounts and types of information with different people. You are under no obligation to share everything all of the time. You may want to have a talk with your spouse or relation who has prostate cancer to see if he has a standard answer that he would like you to give or certain information that he wishes to stay private.

2. Consider your time and location. Perhaps you’re in the supermarket or at the movies and someone approaches you to ask about the individual fighting prostate cancer. If you are short on time, if the place is inappropriate or if you just don’t feel like getting into it – don’t. Thank the person for their concern and suggest a better time, place or location for such a conversation: “I really appreciate your concern – he’s doing okay – but to be honest I’m not in the mood to get into the details right now. How about we meet for coffee/talk on the phone later this week to catch up?”

3. Think about ways in which you could use the support of others. People are going to ask how they can help, so why not brainstorm some ways that they can make a difference and be involved. Simple favors such as making and delivering meals on treatment days, assisting with the care of pets, babysitting children (even for just an hour) and/or taking your car for a much-needed oil change could save your day and will allow others the satisfaction of contributing.

4. Update online. Websites such as www.caringbridge.org or www.carepages.org will allow you to create a profile for your relation with prostate cancer and friends, family members, coworkers, etc. can sign up to receive updates and post messages to the patient. These websites are great methods for creating a forum where good wishes can be passed along to the individual and family dealing with prostate cancer and you as the writer can disseminate news and needs quickly. If you choose to use one of these resources, know that those who signed up will be anxious for information so it would probably be helpful to post updates at least two times per week.

5. Remember: there is no one right answer. You will have days when you can politely, calmly explain the latest steps taken to treat your spouse or relative’s prostate cancer and you will have days when you accidentally snap

Changing direction after an inquiry:

- “He is hanging in there, but I am behind schedule and can’t give you much of an update now. Let’s catch up later so that I can give you more details.”

- “X and I truly appreciate your concern, but everything in my life seems to revolve around cancer right now so I’d rather not get into it at this moment. I will keep you updated on his progress. What’s new and exciting with you?”

- “Thanks for thinking of X, but I’m not in the right mindset to talk about the specifics. Y might be a good person from whom you can get an update.”

- “I’m not sure what information X would be comfortable with me sharing because he is a very private person, but I’m sure he’d love to get in touch with you. The best way to contact him is through…”

When people offer unsolicited advice or personal stories:

- “I appreciate the suggestion, but right now we are going to stick to the knowledge of X’s team of doctors, as they have similar thoughts.”

- “Yes, cancer is challenging for all those affected by it and leaves me on a limited time schedule, so I must get on my way….”

- “Everyone seems to know someone with cancer which explains why we need to work so hard to find a cure. Right now I need to focus on X, and to do that I need to get home quickly. See you soon?”

- “I am confident that the medical professional’s on X’s case are doing their best. I will call you if we choose to pursue other options.”

- “It is interesting how different doctors/methods/techniques affect people in such vastly different ways. Right now X’s team seems to have a lot of ideas, but if there is a change I may follow up with you regarding new resources.”

For more information, check out:

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/UnderstandingYourDiagnosis/TalkingaboutCancer/talking-with-friends-and-relatives-about-your-cancer

No related posts.

Women Against Prostate Cancer Announces Speakers at Upcoming Conference

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:43:13 +0000

Washington, DC—Sept 23, 2011…On October 4 & 5, 2011, Women Against Prostate Cancer will hold its 2^nd annual “Prostate Cancer Advocacy Day” conference. Women from across the country will meet on Tuesday, October 4, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA for a prostate cancer briefing and advocacy training. On Wednesday, October 5, they will head to Capitol Hill to meet with legislators and advocate for increased awareness and funding for prostate cancer.

“September was “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,” but the efforts to educate men and women about prostate cancer are continuing to move forward,” saidTheresa Morrow, President and Co-Founder of Women Against Prostate Cancer (WAPC). “It is estimated that this year alone over 240,000 men will be diagnosed and approximately 33,000 men will die of prostate cancer, with African-American men dying at twice the rate of the general population. Women are also impacted by the disease, and we have to be pro-active to educate the men in our lives, as well as those who can help fund research and awareness efforts.”

Speakers at the prostate cancer briefing include Isaac Kim, MD, PhD, Executive Director, Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Cancer Center at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) and Associate Professor of Surgery at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Darlene Haywood, Essence of WellnessHealthCoaching; Betty Gallo, Co-Founder Women Against Prostate Cancer and Director of Government Relations and Outreach for the Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Cancer Center at CINJ; J. Leslie Boucrée, Legislative Assistant, Office of Congressman Edolphus Towns; Victoria Hallerman, author, “How We Survived Prostate Cancer;” and Rebecca Perkins, The Perkins Partnership.

On Wednesday, October 5, conference attendees will attend a luncheon with Cong. Jon Runyan (R-NJ), Cong. Heath Shuler (D-NC) and Cong. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) speaking on their efforts to advance funding and awareness of prostate cancer research. They will also meet with individual legislators throughout the day.

The conference is free, and assistance may be available to cover transportation and lodging costs. More information can be found about the event at www.womenagainstprostatecancer.org. Dendreon Corporation and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are sponsors of the event.

“Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer leads to a nearly 100 percent survival rate. If men and women had the same awareness of prostate cancer as they do of breast cancer, we would have the potential to save thousands of lives in this country each year,” Morrow said.

Women Against Prostate Cancer (WAPC) is a national organization working to unite the voices and provide support for the millions of women and their families affected by prostate cancer. WAPC advocates prostate cancer education, public awareness, screenings, legislation, and treatment options. Members of the group represent over 20 states and a variety of backgrounds and expertise. To learn more, visit us online at www.womenagainstprostatecancer.org.

It’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

admin — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:13:25 +0000

September is here, and while it may mean the end of summer, it’s also a time to get into action, it’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. A time for organizations, the media, and individuals like you to work together and speak out about prostate cancer and the benefits of early detection. Whether you have a busy month ahead or you’ve got a little extra time on your hands here are a few ways that you can take action this month:

Take Advantage of Social Media. Facebook or Twitter can be quick and easy tools to help spread the word! If you’ve got an account you can dedicate your status updates to prostate cancer awareness or you can make your profile picture a blue ribbon (see 2nd bullet to download). A sample post could read “September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Ladies, it’s a great time to encourage your man to get to the doctor for a check up!” or “September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Find out what you need to know about prostate cancer at www.WomenAgainstProstateCancer.org“. Don’t feel like coming up with your own posts? Simply re-tweet or re-post from WAPC throughout the month.
Download a blue ribbon or WAPC logo. Click here to download a plain blue ribbon or click here to download the WAPC blue ribbon. You can use these ribbons as the profile picture on your Facebook or Twitter, you can add them to your blog or website, or even use them to create a basic awareness poster for your office this month.
Pin a blue ribbon to your lapel. Have a blue ribbon pin lying around? Wear it throughout the month and use it as a conversation starter. Don’t have one? You can get one from WAPC for a $2.50 donation.
Encourage the men in your life to get screened! It’s a great time to take advantage of free screenings going on around the country. Prostate Conditions Education Council offers an excellent screening site finder, just search your zip code and voila!
Auction your items to benefit WAPC! Did you know that when you sell items on eBay.com you can automatically donate anywhere between 10 – 100% of the sale price to our organization? Ladies, have any old handbags or collectibles that you’ve been wanting to get rid of? Now you can do so while donating to a good cause. You can learn more about eBay Giving Works here.
Join us on Capitol Hill! Want the chance to meet like-minded women, learn how to be an effective advocate in your community and give your Members of Congress a piece of your mind? Attend the 2011 Women Against Prostate Cancer Advocacy Day taking place on October 4 & 5th in Washington, DC. Learn more and register today.
Collect pocket change. Throughout the month ask friends, family and coworkers to donate their spare pocket change and collect it in a jar. At the end of the month donate the money to WAPC or another cause related to prostate cancer.

2011 Pong for Prostate

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:19:46 +0000

If you are in the Greater Washington, DC area, join us for an event to raise awareness of prostate cancer like no other, the 2011 Pong for Prostate Beer Pong Tournament.

Pong For Prostate will take place on September 17th from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Caddies on Cordell located at 4922 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Maryland.

Registration is $20 a person for online registrants (or $25 at the door) and includes free beer and food specials. Spectators are also invited for a $5 donation, which includes food and drink specials. The winning team will receive $250 and there will be raffle prizes given out throughout the day including an autographed hockey stick signed by the Washington Capitals and a signed Washington Nationals Baseball.

Click here to learn more and register today!

No related posts.

We Have Prostate Cancer

admin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:00:41 +0000

Congrats to our Western New York Chapter President, Joan Peck who recently had her article, “We Have Prostate Cancer” published in Women Magazine.

In the article she discusses the journey she took with her husband after his prostate cancer diagnosis and the top 10 things that women should know about prostate cancer. Check out the article here.

IPAB: What it Means for Medicare Patients

admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:42:56 +0000

You may have been hearing a lot about the Independent Payment Advisory Board, or IPAB, in the media lately. And maybe you’ve been wanting to learn more about the Board and what it could mean for Medicare beneficiaries.

The IPAB was established by the 2010 Affordable Care Act, and it is charged with making recommendations to reduce the growth in Medicare spending, if Medicare exceeds a certain growth rate. The Board consists of 15 members nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

The IPAB is specifically prohibited from making recommendations that would ration health care, raise beneficiary premiums, restrict benefits, modify eligibility criteria or reduce low-income subsidies under Part D, alter cost sharing, or suggest changes to reduce payment rates for inpatient and outpatient hospital services, inpatient rehabilitation, psychiatric facilities, long-term care hospital and hospices until 2020.

We certainly agree with Congress and the Obama Administration that more needs to be done to ensure sustainable healthcare costs, but there are few essential flaws with IPAB that we believe will ultimately limit seniors’ access to quality healthcare.

The way that IPAB is currently designed will give them the ability to dramatically cut payments to healthcare providers and physicians who provide services to Medicare beneficiaries. Great concern has been expressed that doing so may result in fewer providers being willing to accept Medicare patients. Ultimately, limiting seniors’ access to quality providers.

We are also concerned by the lack of oversight of IPAB. The Board has the power to change laws previously enacted by Congress. When IPAB puts forth proposals, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is required to implement the board’s recommendations unless Congress passes a law with the same cost savings. If Congress fails to adopt a substitute proposal, IPAB’s proposal must be implemented, meaning that IPAB’s proposal does not need Congressional approval to go into effect. Furthermore, the Secretary’s implementation of IPAB’s recommendations is exempt from judicial and administrative review. We are also troubled that there is no patient representation on the Board and that IPAB is not required to hold public meetings where the voices of patients, caregivers and families can be heard. Important health care decisions that can dramatically impact patients will be made by an unelected Board without accountability to the public.

Many Members of Congress have also expressed concerns about allowing the IPAB to be created and legislation has been introduced to repeal IPAB.

Two Congressional Hearings were recently held to discuss IPAB. One on July 12th in the House Budget Committee and the second on July 13th in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. WAPC President, Theresa Morrow, participated in the July 13th hearing. You can watch the hearing and read testimony from participants here (Ms. Morrow’s testimony begins around 4:13).

We will continue to follow IPAB and update you on any further movement on legislation around this issue.