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September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the effects of the disease, the progress that has been made in research, and the future of prostate cancer treatment. It’s also a time to connect with other people affected by prostate cancer and build a community that celebrates survivors.
In this article, we take a closer look at six organizations working to support people living with prostate cancer, including the resources offered and ways to get involved.
Language matters
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article uses the terms “men” and “males” to refer to sex assigned at birth. Your gender identity may not align with how your body responds to this disease.
The Urology Care Foundation is an organization that advocates for people living with all urological conditions, including prostate cancer. This group is a division of the American Urological Association. It provides support for research programs and clinical trials aimed at improving the lives of people with prostate cancer.
The foundation develops educational resources, organizes public awareness campaigns, and advocates for improved access to quality care.
You can get involved with the Urology Care Foundation by donating money through their website or by subscribing to their Urology Health magazine, which is available online.
The organization also offers an educational cookbook for people with urologic cancers. It includes recipes from celebrity chefs and encourages people to share their experiences with the cookbook on social media.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is a nonprofit organization that funds research on the prevention, detection, and treatment of prostate cancer. According to the website, 82 cents of every dollar donated to PCF goes toward prostate cancer research projects.
PCF also offers a collection of resources for people living with prostate cancer and their caregivers and loved ones, including:
- educational materials
- financial resources
- clinical trial information
- connections to support groups
There are a number of ways to get involved with PCF. You can donate money or help spread awareness by participating in events like 5K fundraisers and golf tournaments. A full list of the programming for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and beyond can be found on PCF’s website.
ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer is a national nonprofit focused on providing resources for people living with prostate cancer and their families.
The organization uses over 85 cents of every dollar donated to fund programming and activities to fight prostate cancer and increase awareness. ZERO has allocated:
- $110 million for prostate cancer research
- $4.5 million in grants for local prostate cancer organizations
- $2.9 million in debt relief for people with prostate cancer
There are many ways to get involved with ZERO and contribute to the organization’s mission. In addition to donating, ZERO provides tips on how you can increase prostate cancer awareness using social media. The nonprofit has resources to empower you to act as an advocate in your community at the local, state, and federal levels.
ZERO also hosts local fundraising events including the ZERO Prostate Cancer Tee-Off series and regional ZERO Prostate Cancer run and walk events.
Find out more about their fundraising and volunteer opportunities on ZERO’s website.
The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) is a nonprofit that provides educational support for people and families affected by prostate cancer in order to help them understand the most recent research on the disease. PCRI uses 87 cents of every dollar donated for prostate cancer services.
Most of the resources from PCRI are focused on education. The organization offers a variety of online materials on prostate cancer research and clinical trials. The institute also has a phone number that will connect you to a staff member who can answer questions.
There are also a number of online and in-person events for people to learn more about prostate cancer from expert researchers and physicians.
All of the resources and information about events, as well as contact information for local support groups and donation information, can be found on the PCRI website.
The Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) is a nonprofit organization that specifically focuses on reducing disparities in prostate cancer among Black men. Compared with other groups, Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and to die from the disease, according to the
PHEN believes that its efforts to support Black men with prostate cancer will benefit the greater community of prostate cancer survivors.
PHEN offers a variety of resources and national initiatives to support people with prostate cancer, including:
- the PHEN Survivor Network
- online educational resources
- a monthly newsletter on new research and clinical trials
- an annual Father’s Day rally
- an annual summit on initiatives to reduce disparities in prostate cancer
The PHEN website has more information about the mission and ways to get involved.
Many states have a local prostate cancer coalition that helps provide information on nearby resources for people and caregivers affected by prostate cancer. These organizations also help advocate for better awareness, research, and support at the state level.
The National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions (NASPCC) helps coordinate these local organizations and works to support their missions at the national level. The NASPCC also offers educational resources on prostate cancer and an online support group led by an oncology social worker.
Visit the NASPCC website for more information on how to contact your state prostate cancer coalition.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to get more involved with organizations supporting people and communities affected by prostate cancer.
Donations can help support educational programs, outreach initiatives, and prostate cancer research, but there are many other ways to get involved as well.
The organizations listed here offer many opportunities to give your time, efforts, and monetary donations to help create awareness about prostate cancer and improve the lives of those affected.