This past weekend, the Prostate Cancer Research Institute held its annual conference in Los Angeles, hosting over a dozen experts on prostate health and 600 participants. According to PCRI volunteers, the purpose of the conference is to provide an avenue for those with prostate cancer and their loved ones to get more information about managing the disease. The theme of this year’s event was “Making a Positive Impact on Quality of Life,” and among the topics discussed were the benefits and pitfalls of interventions such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and hormone therapy. Understanding effective diet choices and dealing with erectile dysfunction as a consequence of certain treatment options were also highlights of the agenda. Throughout the weekend, attendees were encouraged to ask specific questions of the speakers.
It was also evident that this conference is a gathering place for support, where old friends and new ones have come to share their stories with each other – sometimes just to talk to someone who understands, and sometimes to share information that may be useful to another. Many of these men have joined support groups in their own communities and have been strengthened by the understanding that they do not need to go through this alone. Indeed, this is one of the big issues that men suffering from prostate cancer – and other health issues – must overcome. We are not trained to seek help, but to solve problems in isolation. On the other hand, drawing on the resources, knowledge and care of others – whether they be friends, family, medical professionals or those who simply understand what we are going through – is what gets both men and women through their most difficult health and life challenges.
Not coincidentally, the PCRI conference is held during September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. One of the big messages I heard from those who stopped at the MHN table during this event was that men need to start thinking about their prostate health – and their health in general – at a much earlier age than they do now. One of our goals in educating men about their health must be to reach them with effective information and support, early and often, so that these messages stay with them as they mature.
Those present at the event are certainly doing their best to get these messages across. Since its founding in 1998, PCRI has contributed to a significant increase in the number of doctors involved in prostate cancer research, as well as public education about the disease. The organization offers a quarterly newsletter with new developments in prostate cancer research, as well as a helpline for patients who need some support finding the right resources. Their website, which includes a wealth of information about prostate cancer, can be found at https://www.prostate-cancer.org/.
