Joel T Nowak, M.A., M.S.W. Director of Advocacy & Advanced Prostate Cancer Programs for Malecare Survivor of four cancers including Thyroid, Kidney, Melanoma and Advanced (metastatic) Prostate Cancer Malecare.org

The Problem Studies have shown that men are dying nearly five years earlier than women. This difference is even more pronounced for African American men In addition to a shorter lifespan, men are almost twice as likely as women to die of heart disease.

Prostate Cancer- A Killer of Men Prostate Cancer will strike 1 in 6 men Prostate cancer is the second largest cancer killer of men in the U.S. 33,720 men will die of prostate cancer in ACS This number is growing each year

Towards A Solution Become an Empowered Patient

The Truth Often we hear broad statements that are asserted with such authority that we assume that there is real scientific research behind them Too often we find that this may not be the case.

An Empowered Patient We all can be patients, but we must learn to become empowered patients Empowered patients are those who become 100% partners in their care decisions with their doctors Become the CEO of your medical care

How to Be An Empowered Patient Go to the best possible doctors at the best possible health facility, we have many in NYC Educate yourself about your disease.

Finding the Right Doctor Cancer care is big business for the doctor and the hospital You are hiring a professional, so get different opinions from different doctors

Finding The Right Doctor Ask questions about your disease and about their treatment goals. Does the doctor share your values and your goals?

Finding the Right Doctor Ask them about their experience treating men with prostate cancer What about off label drug use and clinical trials? Most important question is, After I listen to your treatment plan, may I choose what I believe is best for me?

Finding the Right Doctor Find out how you can communicate with them and does this system work for you? Will they permit you to tape an office visit and bring a friend with you? What is their philosophy on pain management?

Managing Your Doctor & Insurance Company Make yourself human to your doctor. Give them your life story and make sure they know that you are loved and cared for by others. Let your insurance company know you are a human being and that you will fight when necessary to preserve your life.

How To Be An Empowered Patient Face to face & on-line support groups Malecare.org Call : cancer Ask questions of your doctors and other survivors Use the internet (Web Savvy Patient by Andrew Schorr

How To Be An Empowered Patient Listen To Your Body Have a goal for everyday Finish unfinished business and eliminate stress from today Find a positive in your diagnosis

Making Decisions Decisions need to be made about treatments There are many options They all have positives and negatives There are no automatic correct answers

Making Decisions Statistics are important only when you are trying to make a decision. Once you have made your choices the only statistic that matters is the statistic of one, YOU

Making Decisions When making treatment decisions remember that your cancer is unique just like you: you are unique. Take your time to make decisions, understand the upside and the possible downside of each treatments.

Making Decisions Always get 2 nd and even 3 rd opinions Talk with other survivors and ask them their experiences and feelings However, remember we are each individuals with different values

Gleason Grade

Living with Cancer You did not choose to have cancer, but you do. Cancer is something you have, it is not who you are Stay in the present – the further out we go the more stressful

Living with Cancer You always have choices, choose to always be positive This has to be a very conscious decision. Interrupt negative thoughts – your brain can only handle one thought at a time

Living with Cancer When you are comfortable with a decision, NEVER look back. Remember, you made the best decision you could make. There is never room for should’ves or could’ves.

Living with Cancer You can be angry and depressed today, but tomorrow decide to accept your situation and make the best of it. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Live your life today

Living with Cancer Get second & third opinions Get copies of all your medical records Read them and understand them Ask questions and ask more questions

Living with Cancer Wrap yourself in a blanket of love Surround yourself with positive people Learn how to receive from others – receiving can be a gift to others Let others take care of you

Living with Cancer Be honest about your feelings and share them. Saying them out loud helps Then consciously decide to move on and live your life Don’t do what you can not do, but do what you can

Living with Cancer Learn to say NO Set up a web page to report your progress

Living With Cancer Having cancer is NOT a punishment Remember you are still alive- so live your life Use what is working, don’t struggle with what isn’t working

Living with Cancer Get those feel good endorphins circulating: Exercise everyday for at least 30 mins. Walk when you can (get a dog, I did)

Living with Cancer Epigenetics – The study of environmental influences that can mitigate gene output Stress is immunosuppressive Use Psychotherapy & Anti- Depressants if needed Use energy medicine – TiChi, Yoga prayer, biofeedback

Living with Cancer Use support groups and your fellow survivors to share your experience, they know how you feel. Avoid toxic people: Put a sign on your door that says: Don’t come in if you can not be positive

Living with Cancer You are not any sicker or closer to death because you were diagnosed today. Actually, being diagnosed can extend your life because you can now start the battle against your disease.

Living with Cancer Never lose your faith Never lose your hope Believe in the strength of your prayers Believe in the strength of your faith Believe in miracles, they do happen

Take Home Have A Happy and HEALTHY Day

Who I Am Joel T Nowak malecare.org Men Fighting Cancer, Together