Latest news with #ProstateCancerFoundation
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prostate Cancer Foundation Commences 30th Season of Annual Home Run Challenge
– 2025 season celebrates nearly three decades of raising prostate cancer awareness and funding through America's pastime in partnership with professional baseball teams – – Initiative has raised more than $72 million to date, contributing to the more than $1 billion in PCF funding to support life-saving prostate cancer research projects – LOS ANGELES, June 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) has commenced the 30th season of the Home Run Challenge (HRC), a historic initiative that has raised over $72 million for prostate cancer research since its inception in 1996, contributing to the more than $1 billion in PCF funding since it was founded. This year, PCF will host HRC tour stops and awareness days at professional baseball stadiums across the country to raise awareness about prostate cancer, the second most common cancer in men, as well as funds to support the development of life-saving treatments. In the past 30 seasons, the HRC program has visited more than 250 ballparks and engaged all 30 professional baseball teams. In 2024 alone, the HRC made stops at 14 ballparks, engaging 21 teams and raising $2.2 million. More than $1.9 million from those funds were directed toward PCF's Young Investigator (YI) Awards, which fuel the next generation of prostate cancer researchers. This initiative has transformed the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated, and it has helped to fund several FDA-approved therapies, many of which have become standard-of-care treatments for the disease. Fans can participate in the 2025 HRC by making a pledge or a one-time donation to Keep Dad in the Game at "We are incredibly grateful to the professional baseball team owners for being our steadfast partners in this effort," said Gina Carithers, PCF's president and CEO. "The impact of this initiative over the past 30 seasons has been profound, but there is still work to do. Every dollar raised brings us closer to a cure, and we urge baseball fans everywhere to step up to the plate and join us this season in our mission to end suffering and save lives." The HRC has uniquely elevated awareness of prostate cancer, sparking conversations in homes and stadiums across the country among men and their loved ones. Supported by decades of research, men diagnosed with prostate cancer today have more treatment options than ever before that significantly improve quality of life and patient outcomes. "For 30 seasons, professional baseball teams have stood alongside the Prostate Cancer Foundation in this life-saving initiative," said Phillip Koo, M.D., PCF's chief medical officer. "The Home Run Challenge has not only raised millions of dollars for research but has also helped spread awareness of prostate cancer risks and screening among fans, players and communities nationwide. Baseball has the power to unite, and through this program, we're using that power to save lives and Keep Dad in the Game for many more seasons to come." For more information about the Home Run Challenge and how to participate, visit Quick Prostate Cancer Facts: Prevalence: One in eight U.S. men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, which is roughly equivalent to one player on the field. Mortality: One man dies from prostate cancer every 15 minutes, or about one person per inning. Advancements: Men diagnosed with prostate cancer today have significantly more treatment options than they did when PCF was founded more than 30 years ago. There are more than 20 FDA-approved therapies today, including five approved in the last five years that were based upon PCF-funded research. Survivorship: Men diagnosed in early stages have a 99% survival rate over five years, emphasizing the importance of early detection and screening with a simple PSA blood test. About the Prostate Cancer Foundation The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world's leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993 by Mike Milken, PCF has been responsible for raising more than $1 billion in support of cutting-edge research by more than 2,200 research projects at 245 leading cancer centers in 28 countries around the world. Since PCF's inception, and through its efforts, patients around the world are living longer, suffering fewer complications, and enjoying better quality of life. PCF is committed to creating a global public square for prostate cancer, in service to our mission of ending death and suffering from the disease. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Audra FriisSam Brown LLCaudrafriis@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
RNZ News
26-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Prostate cancer screening in New Zealand: What you need to know
Former US President Joe Biden was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer earlier this month. Photo: CHRIS KLEPONIS / AFP Explainer - Former US President Joe Biden's recent prostate cancer diagnosis has once again put a spotlight on the disease, one of the highest causes of cancer death for New Zealand men. Biden's cancer was found to have become metastatic, or spread, elsewhere in his body. That has raised questions about how he was diagnosed and how prostate cancer screening works in general. One in eight Kiwi men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand says . "In New Zealand what that translates to is around 4000 diagnoses a year and unfortunately over 730 men die of the disease," foundation CEO Peter Dickens told RNZ's Nights in an interview recently. The prostate is a small gland beneath the bladder which produces some of the fluid that makes up semen. In grown men it's about the size of a walnut, and it's normal for it to grow larger as men age. Māori men are 72 percent more likely to die of prostate cancer once they are diagnosed than non-Māori, while 61 percent of men overall have no symptoms when diagnosed, the foundation says. Biden only left office in January, and earlier this month was diagnosed with the aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to the bone. Biden's cancer received a Gleason score of nine , indicating it is well advanced. Prostate cancer is given a Gleason score from six to 10; the higher the score, the more likely the cancer cells are to spread. Biden had not been screened for prostate cancer since 2014 , a spokesperson said. There has been criticism and conspiracy theories over the news in American media. Dr Simon van Rij is a urologist and surgeon based in Auckland. He noted diagnoses such as Biden's are "not uncommon, as prostate cancer often doesn't cause any symptoms until very late and spread outside of the prostate". Biden is 82, and many men with age do develop some kind of prostate cancer, van Rij said. "It is also important to acknowledge that he is over the age of 80 and prostate cancer is common in men as they get older - and many men may have prostate cancer, never know about it and die from other causes, so there is also a real danger of overdiagnosing and overtreating men for a condition that may never affect them, but the potential side effects of treatment could." Peter Dickens, CEO of Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand. Photo: Supplied Prostate cancer can be diagnosed without any symptoms, but there are obvious things to look out for. "As ex-President Biden said in his piece, what alerted him was problems with his waterworks, problems with urination, and that's certainly one of the main ways that people realise that something of concern is going on down there," Dickens told Nights . "Urgency, more frequency of urination, blood in semen or urine is something that's a major warning sign and something that should take you to the doctor." "You get the best outcomes if you detect it before you perceive any symptoms of prostate cancer. Once you start experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer, in most cases your options in terms of treatments are far reduced." It depends. A family history of prostate cancer is important for men to be aware of. "In New Zealand the guidance is that men should chat with their GPs about getting tested for prostate cancer using a simple blood test from the age of 50 onwards," Dickens said. "However, if you have a family history of prostate cancer, say if your father was diagnosed... then you're two to three times more likely to be diagnosed yourself and you should start having those conversations with your GP from about the age of 40." But as you get older, routine screening is actually considered less important if you have no symptoms or family history. American guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that "men over age 70 shouldn't be screened for prostate cancer routinely". "In New Zealand it's slightly different," Dickens said. "Seventy, as they say, is the new 60. "There are many 70-year-olds that are still running marathons and working and running businesses and can expect a life expectancy quite reasonably into their 90s. "So in New Zealand you should continue testing up to the point that you have a life expectancy of about 10 years, so there's no actual set date." A simple PSA blood test helps to diagnose prostate cancer. Photo: 123RF The primary check for prostate cancer remains the PSA test, a simple blood test which measures the amount of a prostate-specific antigen in the blood. An elevated amount of PSA may indicate signs of prostate cancer. However, it can also indicate many other non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. There have been concerns in recent years about overdiagnosis of PSA results, which means the test is considered along with a broader health picture. A prostate biopsy can firmly diagnose cancer, but the invasive test - a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope - can cause painful complications, particularly in older men. "False-positive results can lead some men to get prostate biopsies (with small risks of pain, infection, and bleeding) when they don't have cancer," the American Cancer Society says . "PSA is still a good indicator test for risk of prostate cancer. It does not diagnose cancer, but rather shows who is more at risk and who should be investigated further," van Rij said. "There is no level of PSA that says someone does or doesn't have prostate cancer. The levels that we use to say if it is abnormal are basically lines in the sand we draw to work out who we should investigate further from a probability perspective." Treatment and diagnosis has also improved, he said. "The modern pathway of diagnosis of prostate cancer now uses an MRI scan if the PSA is elevated rather than having to go straight to more invasive tests such as a needle biopsy." In Biden's case, if he hadn't been given a PSA screening in more than 10 years, that could explain why the cancer was detected in an advanced state. "Unfortunately because prostate cancer generally causes no symptoms until it has advanced significantly it can present with advanced disease that has spread to the bone, this is generally in people who have not had a PSA blood test before," van Rij said. Another method of diagnosis is digital rectal examination - in other words the finger probe, which doctors can use to detect obvious growth or abnormality. While there is a certain amount of squeamishness for some men with that test, it can still be important. "The finger test is a very valuable test and it can detect anomalies, and I would encourage all men to take part in that as part of their annual health checks," Dickens said. First Lady Jill Biden kisses her husband US President Joe Biden after he delivered his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on 15 January 2025. Photo: MANDEL NGAN / AFP While New Zealand does have a free breast cancer screening programme , there's no similar funded test for prostate cancer. Dickens said he felt it's time Aotearoa looked closer at testing. "We're at the stage where we should be piloting it." New Zealand also has an invitation to join a European pilot screening project. The Prostate Cancer Foundation expressed disappointment in the lack of funding for it in the Budget announcement last week . "We really think that it's something that needs addressing right now," Dickens said. However, "currently no country in the world has a national prostate cancer screening programme", van Rij said. "Scientific research has shown a small cancer specific mortality benefit from screening but at the expense of overtreatment, which is the problem for all screening programmes - including breast cancer." "However with better diagnosis, pathways using MRI scans and avoiding overtreatment in men with low risk cancer has made a screening program more feasible." Van Rij said there should also be an increased focus on screening in underserved communities. "We should acknowledge the inequality of health in NZ between Māori and non-Māori, and we do know that Māori men present later with prostate cancer and have a higher chance of dying from the disease," van Rij said, "so efforts to increase detection in our Māori population are important. "What is also currently recommended is targeting at-risk populations for screening including those with a family history of prostate cancer, certain genetic traits including BRCA 1 and 2 , Māori and Pacific Islander, Afro-Caribbean." Dickens said Biden's diagnosis, while difficult news for him and his family, does help raise broader awareness. "It's a little tragic that someone high-profile needs to be diagnosed with something like prostate cancer to bring attention to the issue, but that's the way it is." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Drop In The Bucket For Government But Kick In The Guts For Kiwi Men
Press Release – Prostate Cancer Foundation The Prostate Cancer Foundation will continue the fight to save mens lives after the Budget failed to fund an early detection pilot for prostate cancer.' The Prostate Cancer Foundation will continue the fight to save mens lives after the Budget … The Prostate Cancer Foundation will continue the fight to save men's lives after the Budget failed to fund an early detection pilot for prostate cancer.' The Prostate Cancer Foundation will continue the fight to save men's lives after the Budget failed to fund an early detection pilot for prostate cancer. President Danny Bedingfield said 'we have been talking to the last government and now the new government for the last two years on funding two regional pilots for early detection screening of prostate cancer at an approximate cost of only $6.4 million over four years. 'Everyone acknowledges that the sooner cancer is detected, the better clinical outcomes. We just have two questions for the government – is cancer that is specific to men not important? And what is the barrier to a prostate cancer screening pilot? 'Over 4,000 dads, husbands, sons and brothers are diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 700 die of the disease every year. We think these lives matter. 'We are at a loss as to why cancer specific to men doesn't seem to rate with either the last government, or now this new government. Prostate cancer screening is seen as inevitable by health officials and is supported by New Zealand's Urological Society. 'While the pilot was not funded in the Budget, we remain hopeful that money can be found by reprioritising a tiny part of the $30 billion vote health spending will get it underway. 'In addition to putting miniscule funding into the proposed early detection pilots, our Health Minister should also accept an invitation from Europe to a join a useful world leading cancer study – the Praise–U consortium,' Bedingfield said. 'This is a world-leading initiative that aims to enhance the ability for early detection of men with prostate cancer so they can access early treatment to reduce unnecessary early deaths,' Bedingfield says. 'However, after today, we are left wondering if men's health is important,' Bedingfield concluded.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Drop In The Bucket For Government But Kick In The Guts For Kiwi Men
The Prostate Cancer Foundation will continue the fight to save men's lives after the Budget failed to fund an early detection pilot for prostate cancer.' The Prostate Cancer Foundation will continue the fight to save men's lives after the Budget failed to fund an early detection pilot for prostate cancer. President Danny Bedingfield said 'we have been talking to the last government and now the new government for the last two years on funding two regional pilots for early detection screening of prostate cancer at an approximate cost of only $6.4 million over four years. 'Everyone acknowledges that the sooner cancer is detected, the better clinical outcomes. We just have two questions for the government - is cancer that is specific to men not important? And what is the barrier to a prostate cancer screening pilot? 'Over 4,000 dads, husbands, sons and brothers are diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 700 die of the disease every year. We think these lives matter. 'We are at a loss as to why cancer specific to men doesn't seem to rate with either the last government, or now this new government. Prostate cancer screening is seen as inevitable by health officials and is supported by New Zealand's Urological Society. 'While the pilot was not funded in the Budget, we remain hopeful that money can be found by reprioritising a tiny part of the $30 billion vote health spending will get it underway. 'In addition to putting miniscule funding into the proposed early detection pilots, our Health Minister should also accept an invitation from Europe to a join a useful world leading cancer study – the Praise–U consortium,' Bedingfield said. 'This is a world-leading initiative that aims to enhance the ability for early detection of men with prostate cancer so they can access early treatment to reduce unnecessary early deaths,' Bedingfield says. 'However, after today, we are left wondering if men's health is important,' Bedingfield concluded.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer: The early warning signs and symptoms you shouldn't ignore
Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The 82-year-old's office shared the news on Sunday, adding that Biden had been diagnosed after experiencing urinary symptoms that led to doctors discovering a nodule on his prostate. Last Friday, Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. 'While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,' the statement said. "The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.' This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. The statement noted that Biden's cancer was "characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5)." A Gleason score is a grading system for prostate cancer that ranges from a 6 (low-grade cancer) to 10 (high-grade cancer). According to the Cleveland Clinic, this metric helps determine how quickly and how likely the cancer is to spread (low-grade cancer grows slowly and is less likely to spread than high-grade cancer). On Monday, Biden shared a message to social media that included a photo of himself, his wife Dr. Jill Biden and their cat, Willow. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Biden (@joebiden) "Cancer touches us all,' he wrote. 'Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.' Dr. Danny Vesprini, a radiation oncologist at Toronto's Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, told Yahoo Canada in 2022 that while the prostate isn't large (about the size of a walnut), its nature and location "certainly causes lots of problems." By the year 2040, annual prostate cancer cases worldwide are expected to double, with annual deaths projected to rise by 85 per cent. Read on to learn more about the prostate, its common issues and how you might be able to prevent discomfort. The prostate is a small, rubbery gland that produces enzymes and proteins in the body. It's part of the reproductive system and it's located deep inside the groin, between the base of the penis and the rectum. "The main goal of the prostate is that it produces between 60 to 80 per cent of a man's ejaculate and, in particular, creates an enzyme called prostate-specific antigen, or PSA," Vesprini explained. "What that enzyme does is liquify the coagulum in the vagina to help with reproduction. So it allows sperm to swim more freely in the vagina." While it's an important organ for procreation, it's not one that's necessary for life, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Prostate cancer is another serious issue related to the organ. It's a disease where malignant cells form in the tissues of the prostate. Some symptoms of prostate cancer can include: Problems urinating Slow or weak urinary stream Needing to urinate more often Blood in the urine or semen Difficulty getting an erection Pain in the hips, back or chest Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet Loss of bladder or bowel control See a healthcare professional if you're experiencing these symptoms, as it's best to catch cancer early. Biden's prostate cancer has spread to the bone, therefore making it stage 4 cancer. According to experts, it's unlikely that the advanced stage can be cured. In an interview with Yahoo Life, Dr. Christopher Wee of the Cleveland Clinic said treatment could be used to help slow cancer growth or prolong and improve his quality of life. However, it's "very difficult to get too much more specific than that, because there can be people in whom there's only one bone spot, and there can be people in whom there's spots all over the body,' Biden's office noted that his cancer appeared to be "hormone-sensitive." Wee told Yahoo Life that some prostate cancer treatments like androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), where androgens (a group of hormones including testosterone) are lowered in the body, can help slow down cancer growth. Wee also said that there's been evidence to suggest that ADT combined with medications to further reduce hormones can provide more benefit than ADT alone. "Ultimately, these [treatment] decisions are complex,' he said. 'No two cases are the same, and it really involves very careful consideration of a patient's cancer, the patient's health and, most importantly, the patient's values and preferences.' According to the Cancer Society of Canada, there is a 41 per cent chance that men with stage 4 prostate cancer will live at least five years (net survival). Vesprini said the most common problem most men experience is that the prostate continues growing. While it might be the size of a walnut or ping pong ball in younger men, it typically starts to grow when men reach their late 40s and early 50s, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. "It's one of the few parts of the body that still grows as we get old. And as men get older, they start to have more difficulties with urinating. That's why older men get up to pee at night because they aren't emptying their bladder sufficiently during the day," he noted, adding men can experience a slower flow of their urine and may "start to spray a bit." Although these symptoms aren't serious medical issues, Vespirini suggested they can impact a man's confidence and quality of life. "As we get older and the prostate gets bigger, the bladder may not empty fully and the flow starts to slow down, which is annoying but it's common and there's lots of remedies," Vesprini added. The Canadian Cancer Society also indicated the prostate is also close to the digestive and reproductive systems, meaning problems with the organ can impact those parts of the body, too. In addition to common urinary problems, serious conditions such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can also affect the prostate. Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate that can cause symptoms like painful urination and general discomfort in the groin, pelvis or genitals. "It can be very uncomfortable and disruptive by causing pain or sexual dysfunction," Vesprini shared. On the other hand, BPH, or an overly enlarged prostate, usually affects men over age 40. As it grows, the prostate can block the flow of urine and cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. "Signs of BPH are difficulty urinating, a weak stream, or having a frequent need to urinate," explained Vesprini. If you're hoping to alleviate symptoms of non-cancerous conditions like BPH, the most common thing to do is to change your daily habits. "Stop drinking in the evening or don't drink lots of fluid before bed, which lessens the amount of times you're urinating at night," Vesprini suggested. If that doesn't provide relief, there are medications that help the bladder empty more sufficiently, or medications that shrink the prostate over time. "For more serious cases, there are surgical procedures that can be done, but it has risks," Vesprini added. For prostatitis, the oncologist said anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or Advil can sometimes help, or using antibiotics may settle things down. "Some men find that different foods or certain activities also trigger symptoms and thus they avoid those, but that's unique to each person and you'll have to go through a trial and error process to figure it out," he explained. "You can't really prevent prostate problems, and something like BPH is just a natural evolution," Vesprini said. "The only way to prevent it from happening is to have no testosterone, which is what triggers the prostate to grow over time." He added since urinary problems and BPH are normal parts of aging, it's abnormal for a man in his 70s or 80s to not have experienced any of these problems. In general, the doctor said in order to be your best self, you should work towards having a healthy heart, having a good diet and exercising frequently. "It's very important to keep on top of your overall health, and don't turn to quick fixes," Vesprini concluded. "Be aware of any changes in your body, and get screened if you suspect any issues."
