ZEROHour Newsletter: May 2021

Run/Walk Sites Are Live, Sign up Now

Exciting news: the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk series will return to local communities with in-person events starting this August! Registration for many run/walks are open now. Register at zerocancer.run.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place at each event, and virtual participation options will be available nationwide. The virtual participation option will be held through the Charge Running app, where you'll be able to run/walk together at the same time on whatever course you choose. The app will help you connect with others, there's even live music and a chat feature!

Together, we will gather together to once again bring hope, support, and action to the prostate cancer community. You are an important part of this caring community. We need you to help us show those who have been impacted by prostate cancer that they are not alone.

Register at zerocancer.run before June 1 to receive an exclusive invite to a virtual kickoff event taking place Father's Day weekend.

ZERO Cost to Prostate Cancer Screening

Breaking news, ZERO is pleased to announce significant progress in providing greater access to prostate cancer screening and early diagnosis at the state level. As part of our ZERO Cost to Prostate Cancer Screening initiative, two pieces of legislation in two different states are being advanced to the next phase. We are very grateful for the support and passion of our local ZERO champions and medical partners who are helping us lead the charge.

The Texas House of Representatives has voted to approve HB 3951 and the California Assembly Health Committee has voted to approve AB 1520. The goal of these new legislative efforts is to remove barriers and increase access to prostate cancer screening for all men. It is critical to give prostate cancer parity to several other cancers which offer screenings with no attached co-pays or other cost-sharing fees. ZERO will continue to support these bills as they are considered in other committees, the full chambers, and when they are taken up by the respective state Senates.

The only other two states that have currently passed similar laws are New York and Maryland. Legislative victories in Texas and California would get us one step closer to our bold goal to expand access to prostate cancer screening without cost sharing to men in half the country by 2030, with similar laws in 25 states. If you are interested in getting involved with this state advocacy effort, please contact Ali Manson, ZERO's Vice President, Government Relations & Advocacy.

AAA/Novartis PSMA

Biomarkers play an important role in many diseases including prostate cancer and, as such, they can provide valuable information to health care professionals to help them make the most appropriate treatment decisions for individual patients.

One biomarker that men with prostate cancer will be familiar with is PSA, or prostate-specific antigen. Raised levels of PSA can indicate that prostate cancer is present and, in men who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, increases in PSA can also be a sign of disease progression or recurrence.

PSMA, or prostate-specific membrane antigen, is a more recently discovered biomarker in prostate cancer. PSMA is often found in very high numbers on the surface of prostate cancer cells and, importantly, it remains attached to the cell surface as opposed to being released into the bloodstream. These factors combined raise the possibility of using PSMA to precisely locate and potentially target prostate cancer cells anywhere in the body.

Scientists and doctors are learning more and more about PSMA through research and clinical trials, and it is clear that there will be a lot more information about this biomarker in the near future.

(This content is provided in partnership with Advanced Accelerator Applications, a Novartis Company.)

Double Match Alert

These words will rock more families to their core in 2021 than ever before. This spring, you can provide a crucial lifeline and help men get access to life-saving treatments and support. Your gift is key to securing a match that will double your impact.

Your generosity will help offer financial assistance, insurance navigation, and other vital resources. As someone who has stood alongside or supported a prostate cancer patient, lost a loved one to the disease, or has fought prostate cancer, you too want this disease to end once and for all.

With prostate cancer cases reaching historic highs in 2021, we won't stand by while this disease hurts more families. For a limited time, generous donors are matching gifts up to $100,000. Every dollar you give we be doubled by our match through June 30th. Your generosity will change lives.

Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer Symposium

ZERO's inaugural Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer Symposium is Thursday, June 24th from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM (ET).

Our event Keynote Speaker is Kevin Clayton, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement for the Cleveland Cavalier Operating Company. Join us to hear from Kevin and directly from members of ZERO's Racial Disparities Task Force, learn about racial disparities in prostate cancer treatment and outcomes, explore structural racism and how it affects Black men, get informed on important research programs aimed at better understanding racial disparities in prostate cancer, and hear tips on how the most high-risk men can become empowered and active participants in prostate cancer screening and treatment decision-making.

This Symposium will be held virtually. Register now to secure your seat at this important prostate cancer education event!

Upcoming Webinars

Register for these free, upcoming webinars.

ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer:
Understanding Common Side Effects of Clinical Trial Treatment: Tuesday, May 18, 8:00 PM ET

Us TOO:
Biomarkers: Thursday, May 20, 8:00 PM (ET)

Champions Corner Patrick Takes On The Texas House In addition to being a ZERO Champion, Patrick is a veteran, prostate cancer survivor, and member of the ZERO Veterans Prostate Cancer Working Group. He attended the 2020 Summit and 2021 Virtual Summit. Most recently, Patrick testified before the Texas House of Representatives Insurance Committee in support of HB 3951, a bill that would eliminate out of pocket costs for prostate cancer screening. Patrick is an extremely cheerful, caring and passionate member of the ZERO Community, and we are so grateful for his dedication and commitment to the prostate cancer cause. » Apply to be a Champion Like Patrick

Clinical Trials Clinical Trials ​Clinical trials are a great way for prostate cancer patients to help in the fight against cancer. Our partners at Bristol Myers Squibb are currently enrolling advanced prostate cancer patients in clinical trial studies now. » Sign up today (This content is provided in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb.)

ZERO Store Father's Day Gift Guide Still looking for a gift for Dad? We've got you covered. The strongest men in your life deserve something special. Place an order to the ZERO Store by June 20, 2021 and you can use the discount code "GIFT" to receive 10% off your order. » Visit the ZERO Store

Clinical Trials Prostate Cancer Research Study The TALAPRO-2 clinical trial is enrolling men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer to study a potential treatment. More information is available. » Learn more (This content is provided in partnership with Pfizer Oncology.)