Interdisciplinary Care and Treatment Involves Us TOO James Kiefert, EdD Chairman, Board of Directors Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network
Why is Prostate Cancer Important? One in every 6 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in his life There are slightly more cases of Prostate Cancer diagnosed each year than Breast Cancer (230,000 vs. 216,000, the top two annual cancer diagnoses) An American man is 33% more likely to develop Prostate Cancer than an American women is to get Breast Cancer 38 Million Baby-Boomers are aging and at risk Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society
The Numbers will Increase as the Baby Boomers Age Despite advances, 30,000 deaths due to Prostate Cancer happen each year, that is 90 American men each day Within the next 10 years (2015), we will see an increase of nearly 70% to 50,000 deaths per year In the next 15 years, by 2020, the total number that die from PCa will be 650,000…more than the number of men killed in all US wars in the last 100 years (since 1900…642,352 deaths) Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation
Us TOO International Network Founded in 1990 by a group of Prostate Cancer Patients, still directed by patients and family members Network of Support Groups now is 320 and reaches 44 states and 10 countries Us TOO Mission: Communicate Timely, Personalized and Reliable Information Enabling Informed Choices Regarding Detection and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Us TOO International Network Web based information and support at 14 virtual communities on Prostate Pointers and an e-newsletter Prostate Cancer NEWS You Can Use Hotsheet Monthly Newsletters: 22,000 distributed through Support Groups The power of “peer support” and “patient directed care and treatment”
Detection and Screening The importance of “Know your PSA” Outreach to people at higher risk “There are no side effects to a blood test or a DRE” Process of Diagnosis Family Practitioner Family Practitioner Urologist, takes biopsy Urologist, takes biopsy
Diagnosis, Recommendations and Treatment Planning Post-biopsy exploration and additional testing, second opinions The “Gold Standard” recommendation: surgery and the pressure to act immediately Feelings of shock and denial More options exist now than ever before
Information Gathering and Decision Making Patient and family information gathering and informed decision-making Need to make the “right” decision The “added” burden of conflict- recommendations, comments and relationships
On-going Treatment and Post- Treatment Issues Treatment decisions continue, new decision points Life style challenges and changes Stress, job issues Stress, job issues Diet and exercise Diet and exercise Medication management and changes Medication management and changes Side effects, Patient expectations vs. discussed typical outcomes Side effects, Patient expectations vs. discussed typical outcomes
Stepping up to the Growing Challenge Preparation and communication are essential New treatment approaches mean patients need involvement with educated Urologists and Oncologists Recognize the Baby Boom generation now entering high incidence age Number diagnosed per year climbing to 300,000/year in the next 10 years (+40%) Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation
Teamwork and Communication In my support group I hear men looking to their physician “as the quarterback” of their team Communication is essential The burden of cancer is made worse when conflicting messages are present
Making a Difference Together Look for Us TOO at and at UsTOO ( ) “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead