All posts tagged Prostate Cancer Awareness

One Step Closer – Resolution Passes S.C. House

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“We are changing the tide…. NOW in South Carolina, PSA screening is still advocated!” – Dr. Vipul Patel

It was in May of 2012 that those in the fight against prostate cancer received what could become a most fatal blow with respect to prostate cancer screening, detection, diagnosis and most importantly prevention and treatment.  At the time the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a decision that would recommend against the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for men at risk of prostate cancer.  Opposition and controversy grew quickly, with leaders such as the American Urological Association vocalizing the shear importance of PSA screening for men – a simple blood test, that acts as the only widely available test for prostate cancer.

The decision has been at the forefront of our battle here at The International Prostate Cancer Foundation (IPCF) and it is with great satisfaction that we announce a monumental achievement in our efforts, and of those with us in the fight to resolve this issue:

As of March 12th 2013, the South Carolina House has passed a resolution petitioning the United States Congress – to seek withdrawal of the USPSTF recommendations against PSA screening.

The resolution successfully passed the South Carolina Senate in February of this year, and with combined concurrence the prospective impact looks promising.

Expressed gratitude is due and extended to Senator Nikki Setzler of South Carolina for his continued support and direct involvement in said initiative.  A valued board member of The International Prostate Cancer Foundation, former patient of Dr. Vipul Patel, activist and prostate cancer survivor, we salute him!

As we celebrate this historic event, Senator Setzler leaves us with the following statement:

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“I want to sincerely thank my colleagues in the S.C. General Assembly for their support of this resolution. I think it sends the wrong message when our citizens are discouraged from seeking early detection of life-threatening diseases. Knowledge is power. Informed patients guided by knowledgeable, competent physicians can make the best choices about their health care and treatment options. I am a living testament of that. In closing, I want to thank the International Prostate Cancer Foundation for all its efforts. The organization has helped to change my life and the lives of many others.” – Nikki Setzler

We are now even one step closer to eradicating prostate cancer!!

Our hope is that triumphs such as these act as a catalyst for change nationwide.  We perpetuate such efforts through our petition to the USPSTF – urging themto recant their negative decision – and encourage you ALL to sign, support and spread the initiative!

ACTION facilitates CHANGE, and change can SAVE LIVES!!

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For more info on resolution:

www.scstatehouse.gov/bills

www.scstatehouse.gov/pref13s2

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by endprostatecancer on March 21, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by endprostatecancer on March 21, 2013

https://endprostatecancer.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/one-step-closer-resolution-passes-s-c-house/

IPCF Highlights the Prostate Cancer Roundtable’s National Policy UPDATES

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Prostate Cancer – an ongoing battle, a prevalent topic of concern and a cause to support!  At the International Prostate Cancer Foundation (IPCF), we fight daily to educate and raise awareness, knowing however that this battle is not one to be conquered alone.  It is with respect and appreciation that we highlight the current efforts of the Prostate Cancer Roundtable as they update their National Policy Agenda to better serve those at risk of this deadly disease.  Only with combined recognition of the threat can we impact necessary change.

With similar goals to the IPCF, the Prostate Cancer Roundtable acts as a forum to establish and ensure a shared set of valued legislative and scientific priorities affecting the prevention, detection of risk, diagnosis, and management of prostate cancer.  Recently, the members have updated this shared national policy agenda for use in 2013.  The result?  A basis for discussions with policy and key decision makers, that will hold strong and push for progress.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) was a main topic of focus as the updated agenda would seek revisions to the decision making process of the USPSTF.  Specifically, to make certain that the USPSTF make all efforts to gather input from those whom are experts in the particular area of preventative services under review.  To date, the 16 volunteer members of the USPSTF had been those entrusted with gathering evidence for use in decision making.  This process often neglected referencing different specialized experts for differing diseases.  No longer will decisions without full reference to patient advocacy groups, specialty medical groups & federal agencies be accepted.

Agenda priorities such as these are sure to have a standing impact.  We have spoken about the negative impact of which previous USPSTF decisions have had on prostate cancer screening & prevention and we see this a positive step forward, preventing such occurrences.

Along with the above, other fundamental priorities of the agenda include to:

  • Increase funding for Prostate Cancer specific research up to $120 million/year
  • Increase federal funding for Cancer in general
  • Pass the Bill to create an Office on Men’s Health within the HHS
  • Establish a Prostate Cancer Scientific Advisory Board within the FDA

It is with a sense of relief that the International Prostate Cancer Foundation presents such efforts to you, as we are in agreement.  Every day presents a challenge, however it is becoming quite clear that advocates are stepping up to the battle and working to create an integrated legislative force of support with respect to prostate cancer and all those affected by it.

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by endprostatecancer on February 19, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by endprostatecancer on February 19, 2013

https://endprostatecancer.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/ipcf-highlights-the-prostate-cancer-roundtables-national-policy-updates/

The Mountain Within

“Prostate cancer doesn’t care how fit you are, how high you climb or how much you serve your country….. I am living proof that early detection saves lives.” – Karim Mella

In October of last year IPCF chairman Dr. Patel performed surgery on his 5000th patient, our very own Karim. A striking testimonial and profound spirit, we are thrilled to feature him as our “Face for PSA Testing.” Strongly believing that his survival hinged on early detection, he has generously accepted this role. We express sincere gratitude for the time that he has so willingly volunteered, his impact is cannot be measured!

May 21st 2011, Karim Mella ascends Mount Everest unaware of the underlying shock soon to come. A diagnosis that would make even this most recent feat almost insignificant. For a man not easily intimidated, the words ‘You have prostate cancer’ proved to strike a brutal mental blow.

A marvelous man in his endeavors, Karim Mella is a life that could have been a great loss if not saved through the results of PSA testing. His accomplishments as a physically fit 44-year-old father and husband would leave most anyone certain that his health warranted little concern for decline.

Since age 11 Karim has been climbing the mountains of the Dominican Republic. Serving as a sergeant in the military he has visited and explored 22 countries including South America, Africa, Alaska, Argentina and Peru. All of this leading to his most impressive feat yet, conquering Mount Everest. After climbing Everest in May of 2011 Mella felt invisible he says, unknowingly however, cancer WILL follow you to the top of the world.

Karim showed no symptoms of prostate cancer upon his return check-up. Luckily you may say, his PSA test results returned with high numbers indicating a possible complication with the prostate. Under the recommendations of Dr. Patel this lead to a cancerous biopsy and finally a frightening diagnosis, ‘You have Prostate Cancer’.

Concerned about the outlook for his future Karim confided in Patel for reassurance. With confidence Dr. Patel explained that key factors were acting in Karim’s favor: “Not only have we diagnosed at an early age, but also at an early grade within the early stages of progression.”

After his surgery in October of 2011 Karim exhibits little hesitation as he jumps right back into life…literally (watch the video)! Completing a Half-Ironman in May 2012 he continues to prepare for the New York City Ironman in August of this year. Also he has organized a trip to the Dominican Republic where he will lead 50 low-income children on an expedition into the beautiful mountains in which he begun his journey.

“Cancer does not discriminate. Awareness is our most powerful weapon.”

These are the words of Karim Mella as he advocates the use of PSA testing in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate diseases. He thanks Celebration Health and Dr. Patel his words being, “I could not have asked for any better.”

Follow Karim’s lead by joining his signature on our petition demanding that the USPSTF withdraw recommendations against PSA testing.

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by endprostatecancer on July 13, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in International Prostate Cancer Foundation, Prostatectomy
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Posted by endprostatecancer on July 13, 2012

https://endprostatecancer.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/the-mountain-within/

Congress Committed to New Jersey Legislature Supporting PSA Test…. Let’s Push Further!

Android_Congress It is clear that we have been applying special focus to events as they relate to the importance of PSA screening, a key tool in the fight against prostate cancer. The issue continues to be relevant throughout the country as new legislature emerges. Recent happenings highlight the New Jersey Legislature as they have successfully approved an act that opposes the negative recommendations made by the United States Preventive Task Force (USPSTF), in regards to PSA testing.

Specifically the act (AJR89/SJR77) asks “the Congress of the United States to seek the withdrawal of the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommendation against prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer for men in all age groups ” Not only do the recommendations of the USPSTF discourage and send mixed signals to patients, they furthermore have a direct impact on medical coverage. The Affordable Care Act mandates that preventive services with “A” and “B” ratings receive first dollar coverage from Medicare and Private Health Insurance plans. With a “D” rating, the PSA test faces concerning levels of adversity. Even when a patient is knowledgeable enough to request the test, he may face financial barriers if not covered!

At the International Prostate Cancer Foundation we enthusiastically applaud the efforts and achievements of the New Jersey Patient Care and Access Coalition (NJPCA). Their commitment has lead hundreds of urologists to educate policy makers and key stakeholders on the importance of protecting the health of men in New Jersey. It is with the same effort that we have released a petition urging the USPSTF to withdraw their decision against the use PSA testing. With the goal of serving men nationwide, we encourage you to click here and sign the petition!

We hope that such successes mark the beginning of significant change in this matter. Ultimately we aim to push through further legislation, namely the PROSTATE Act. Drafted by the AUA the Prostate Research, Outreach, Screening, Testing, Access and Effectiveness (PROSTATE) Act fosters an integrated and coordinated approach to the battle against prostate cancer. With a continued and decisive stance, Congress is bound to take notice.

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by endprostatecancer on July 11, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by endprostatecancer on July 11, 2012

https://endprostatecancer.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/congress-committed-to-new-jersey-legislature-supporting-psa-test-lets-push-further/

PSA Petition soon to reach 5,000 signatures….. Let’s shoot for 10,000! CREATE ACTION!!

We want to first thank our community for all of your continued efforts, support, and interest as you follow the ongoing developments surrounding this cause. Through our combined initiatives we have made considerable accomplishments and enthusiastically update you on the status of our progress.

As so many of you have signed and shared our petition, urging the USPSTF to recant their negative decision toward PSA testing, please take pride as we announce successfully reaching upwards of 4,400 signatures! Progressing at this rate we have high hopes of reaching 5,000 by this months end, if not sooner. Keeping with an aggressive approach this only motivates us further as we push toward the 10,000 signature mark! It is with confidence that we ask our community to maintain their persistence, spreading the word and calling upon their peers to sign our petition. Reaching 10,000 will be monumental in receiving national coverage and recognition. With this, key decision makers including congress, the media and the global community will be all but forced to take notice and take ACTION! Together we can CHANGE.

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by endprostatecancer on July 6, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by endprostatecancer on July 6, 2012

https://endprostatecancer.wordpress.com/2012/07/06/psa-petition-soon-to-reach-5000-signatures-lets-shoot-for-10000-create-action/

Mimic Technologies Extends Support!

With continued support, Mimic Technologies has been gracious enough to extend their contributions through the month of August! We are thrilled as they continue advocating the work of Dr. Vipul Patel’s International Prostate Cancer Foundation by making a donation to the foundation for each new “Like” the new Mimic Facebook Page receives through August 31st, 2012. Together, with your help, we can all save lives. Simply show your support by clicking here, and “liking” the Mimic Technologies Facebook page. For each new “like”, Mimic will donate $1 to this important foundation, dedicated to furthering the research and treatment of prostate cancer.

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by endprostatecancer on July 3, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by endprostatecancer on July 3, 2012

https://endprostatecancer.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/mimic-technologies-extends-support/

International Prostate Cancer Foundation hosts a meet and greet with Oscar Robertson to raise awareness about prostate cancer!

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE!

At 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 22, Robertson will speak about how he overcame cancer, talk basketball, answer questions and sign autographs at Draft Global Beer Lounge & Grill across W. Church Street from Amway Center. The event is free and open to the public.

 

Be sure to come and meet Oscar and Dr. Vipul Patel and get all your questions regarding prostate cancer answered!

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by endprostatecancer on February 17, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by endprostatecancer on February 17, 2012

https://endprostatecancer.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/international-prostate-cancer-foundation-hosts-a-meet-and-greet-with-oscar-robertson-to-raise-awareness-about-prostate-cancer/

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