AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussion are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500, https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download/.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: How to file a supplemental claim and preserve your original intent to file date. (bj)
Topics Discussed How to file a supplemental claim to a denied disability claim and preserve your original intent to file date; neccesity of obtaining a nexus letter from a qualified medical professional when submitting a disability claim; new VA rules may lump tinnitus and hearing loss into a single 10% max disability rating; bring personal “statement in support of claim” documents (Form 21-4138) or even videos demonstrating physical limitations to C&P exams; procedures for getting a VA ID card; VA and private insurance processing; using “blanket” community care agreements to get access to specialized health care; retired veterans may apply for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) if their disabilities are linked to combat, hazardous duty, training, or instruments of war.
Chat
Eric Baker – Lafayette, IN sent a chat · 9:14 PM
It was good to see everyone,…I just got home from a long business trip, and it is catching up to me.! Have a good night gentlemen! See you on the 17th!
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 9:34 PM
Good seeing all of you. Good health to all!
Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, February 23, 2026
Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, February 23, 2026
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
WELCOME all to our newly recorded Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer Group. To receive notice when new recordings are posted, either follow us on this YouTube Channel or sign up to our Blog via https://ancan.org/contact-us/ – check New Blog box.
AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussions are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500 https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download
AnCan’s Prostate Cancer Forum is back (https://ancan.org/forums). If you’d like to comment on anything you see in our Recordings or read in our Reminders, just sign up and go right ahead. You can also click on the Forum icon at the top right of the webpage.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: Addressing the unusual: Low PSA with high-grade prostate cancer. (bj)
Topics Discussed Importance of getting a second reading/opinion on your prostate cancer biopsy results; addressing the unusual: low PSA with high-grade prostate cancer; identifying risk factors that can push you from intermediate-risk to high risk prostate cancer; understanding how gentic testing help determine the best treatment options, espcially when family history exists; evaluating high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy as a primary treatment or boost to radiation; comparing transperineal and transrectal biopsies with a focus on lower risk infection and better patient experiences; determining when a patient should move from active surveillence (AS) based on rising PSA or new biospy results.
Chat
AnCan – Stuart sent a chat · 7:58 PM
Dr. Ming Zhou Mount Sinai Health System Department of Pathology, Box 1194 Annenberg Bldg. 15th FL 1468 Madison Ave New York, NY 10029 Email: Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org Telephone: (212)241-8881
AnCan – Stuart sent a chat · 7:59 PM
Dr. Jonathan Epstein – https://advanceduropathology.com/ Tel:516-760-2037 jepstein@imppllc.com
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 8:04 PM
AnCan’s GU ASCO Poster released today https://ancan.org/ancan-gu-asco26-survivorship-poster/
Norman Davis sent a chat · 8:13 PM
No. I’ve joined before but I havent joined in a while. I’m just listening tonight
Norman Davis sent a chat · 8:19 PM
Question is this a call I should be on. I did have treatment 3 yrs ago
Norman Davis sent a chat · 8:20 PM
ok thanks
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:23 PM
@Norman Davis – I would stay and listen in. It doesn’t hurt and you are already here.
Norman Davis sent a chat · 8:23 PM
Gotcha. I dont have a reoccurrence
Bill Franklin sent a chat · 8:31 PM
bfranklin@ancan.org
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 8:49 PM
2nd Opinions for MRIs Botimage AI for MRIs: https://botimageai.com/prostatid/ ~$250, can also be used for biopsy targeting guidance NIH 2nd Opinion MRI (no fees): Choyke, Peter (NIH/NCI) Radiologist pchoyke@mail.nih.gov Second opinion of MRI from Johns Hopkins Images and Reports for Providers | Johns Hopkins Radiology (hopkinsmedicine.org) Email: eradiologycenter@jhmi.edu Phone: 443-287-7378 Fax: 443-769-1210 -Accolade Radiology NY, PA https://accoladeradiology.com/mritap.html Radiology Check (Switzerland) https://radiologycheck.com/en
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 8:51 PM
Bx 2nd Opinions Ep-stine! Dr. Jonathan Epstein – https://advanceduropathology.com/ Tel: 516-760-2037 jepstein@imppllc.com
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 8:52 PM
Dr. Ming Zhou Mount Sinai Health System Department of Pathology, Box 1194 Annenberg Bldg. 15th FL 1468 Madison Ave New York, NY 10029 Email: Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org Telephone: (212)241-8881
Steve in Malaysia sent a chat · 8:58 PM
I need to head out at 10ish (5 minutes). I’ll followup with Rick and Stuart re: how to think about negotiating costs … I was quoted $100k for HDR and $180k for MR Linac.
Steve in Malaysia sent a chat · 9:01 PM
Also wanted to thank you guys (Rick, Stuart and company) on all your help on this crazy journey… could never had ended up where I did without your help 🙂
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 9:04 PM
You need to make sure it registers with the Lead Mod.
Clyde sent a chat · 9:07 PM
Hey gang. Gotta run. I am graduating to the high risk group, so I will see some of you there.
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:08 PM
@clyde – Good luck. We will miss you in low/intermediate.
Bob Richards sent a chat · 9:09 PM
I would like to update the group tonight on my situation if possible
Norman Davis sent a chat · 9:21 PM
Good questions. I’ll rejoin next week. Thanks
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:23 PM
Good night Norman!
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:26 PM
Nice dog George!
David in Portland, OR sent a chat · 9:40 PM
Prostate Cancer Free Foundation Intermediate Risk graph: https://www.prostatecancerfree.org/compare-prostate-cancer-treatments-intermediate-risk/ High Risk graph: https://www.prostatecancerfree.org/compare-prostate-cancer-treatments-high-risk/
David in Portland, OR sent a chat · 9:41 PM
Prostate Cancer Free Foundation Low Risk graph: https://www.prostatecancerfree.org/compare-prostate-cancer-treatments-low-risk/
George in NC sent a chat · 10:04 PM
Thank you all and good night! See you in 2 weeks! Very grateful to AnCan especailly Rick and Stuart!
Larry (Alaska Vet) sent a chat · 10:05 PM
David, can you put a link to that 2024 study also, please?
Bill Franklin sent a chat · 10:05 PM
Good night George.
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 10:05 PM
Good night George
Steve in Malaysia sent a chat · 10:06 PM
back
David in Portland, OR sent a chat · 10:18 PM
Albert Chang & Peter Rossi brachytherapy video lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkfB5kkOsm4
[Waiting for name] sent a chat · 10:21 PM
Hi Leon here, trying to get back wit ya. Hit the wrong button
David in Portland, OR sent a chat · 10:22 PM
A Randomized Trial Comparing Quality of Life after Low-Dose Rate or High-Dose Rate Prostate Brachytherapy Boost with Pelvic External Beam Radiation (Crook, Juanita), 2024: https://www.redjournal.org/article/S0360-3016(24)00381-X/fulltext
David in Portland, OR sent a chat · 10:23 PM
A Randomized Comparison of High-Dose-Rate and Low-Dose Rate Prostate Brachytherapy Combined with External Beam Radiation Therapy for Unfavorable Prostate Cancer: Efficacy Results After Median Follow-Up of 74 Months (Crook, Juanita), 2025: https://www.redjournal.org/article/S0360-3016(25)00303-7/abstract
David in Portland, OR sent a chat · 10:24 PM
HDR Brachytherapy Combined with External Beam Radiotherapy for Unfavorable Localized Prostate Cancer: A Single Center Experience from Inception to Standard of Care (Crook, Juanita), 2025: https://www.brachyjournal.com/article/S1538-4721(25)00004-2/fulltext
AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics and Foundation Medicine.
Views expressed in this Recording are solely the opinion of AnCan Foundation, our Moderators and Participants.
AnCan does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices discussed are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500 https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime! You can find out more about our 12 monthly prostate cancer meetings at https://ancan.org/prostate-cancer/ Sign up to receive a weekly Reminder/Newsletter for this Group or others at https://ancan.org/contact-us/
Join our other free and drop in groups:
Men (Only) Speaking Freely…1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern https://ancan.org/men-speaking-freely/
Veterans Healthcare Navigation… 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room https://ancan.org/veterans/
Veterans Speaking freely… 4th Tuesday @ @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room
Editor’s Pick: AnCan’r considering AMG509 STEAP T-Cell engager; does IDC-P make you high risk?
Topics Discussed
Newbie needs GU MO and doublet; ADT and heart issues; BRCA2 germline Gent progresses after P; no evidence for doublet; long-timer needs to switch treatment; moving from Pluvicto to xaluritamig/ AMG509/ STEAP trial; supplemental E2 discussed by peer – insurance issues, gui9dance on E2 blood levels; IDC-P man on RT asks how much HT; with BCR, doubling time may be more significant guide to BCR than actual PSA level
Chat
Jim Marshall, Vet Support Grp. Moderator sent: 6:33 PM
Joining from the air. No mic available. I just blogged the Estradiol conversation.
AnCan – Rick sent: 7:36 PM
Kishan would say 6 months per his recent meta study
Show Tran the Kishan paper
Jeff Marchi – San Francisco sent: 7:37 PM
has he had genetic testing? it can frequently be associated with genetic issues
AnCan – Rick sent: 7:37 PM
12 months if you’re more aggressive.
Is Spratt the final author
Steve Schuler (Seattle) sent: 7:40 PM
I just wrapped it up a month ago. Now I’m on nothing, no ADT either. I was on Lupron for 2 years, abiraterone also for 2 years, but started a year after the Lupron started (there’s a story there, but later), and then on Estradiol for most of the time I was on abiraterone. But now on nothing. For most of the E2, it was .05mg (50 microgram) patches 2 per week. So a box of 8 lasts you 4 weeks. With GoodRX, those were $13/box
A word about the dose level of the patches: that’s the estimated dose delivery of a patch per day. The amount of E2 in the patch itself is higher, something like 600 microgram is what I remember, but then it releases slowly at an ESTIMATED rate of 50. But that release rate is highly dependent on the amount of fat under the skin, etc. So your milage will vary
Mark N sent: 7:44 PM
Thanks for the feed back!
dan-s alexandria sent: 7:48 PM
thanks Jimmy
Pierre D., Olean, NY sent: 7:52 PM
Thank you all for your input.
Jeffrey G sent: 7:53 PM
We were in the 90s today. Ugh, warmest AZ winter i’ve ever been in. Still, gotta be grateful for warm weather and for a psa of 0.02…Adios
Learn for AnCan’s Emperors of Estradiol… video chat and discussion
AnCan would bet no other prostate cancer support group has the experience and knowledge around using estradiol.
For those unfamiliar, estradiol is a female hormone that is found in men in small part; just like women carry a low level of testosterone (T). In large levels, estradiol (E2) can suppress T and effectively do the work of androgen deprivation, without many of the side effects of ADT. It is cheap and effective and has been around many years. So cheap that many pharmaceutical companies are concerned it can replace a primary, far more profitable ADT agent… like Lupron, Eligard, Firmagon or Orgovyx. Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor, makes the argument better than I can.
It offers a much higher Quality of Life, and the recent PATCH trial has shown its efficacy and non inferiority. The major disadvantages are 1) getting a doctor to prescribe it since it is not FDA approved and must be prescribed off label. And 2) gynecomastia (breast enlargement) that can be painful and socially embarrassing, although it has remedies.
Two of the most outspoken and well recognized advocates for E2 are peer users associated with AnCan. Dr. Paul Schellhammer, a former President of the American Urological Association, is on our Brains Trust. Dr. Richard Wassersug is on AnCan’s Advisory Board. Both have used E2 for more than 20 years, while AnCan member Al Latimer outlasts them both – but not together.
Listen to this outstanding discussion… yet again AnCan’s information is PRICELESS!
AnCan’s ambitious CEO and Founder, Rick Davis, recently sat down with Rarity Life, the magazine published by Same But Different Creative, to share the deeply personal journey that led to the creation of AnCan.
In the interview, Rick reflects on his early days navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis — a moment that reshaped his life & his understanding of what true support should look like. Like so many survivors and thrivers, he quickly discovered that information alone isn’t enough. What people often need most is connection — the chance to speak openly with others who truly understand the lived experience of cancer.
That realization became the foundation of AnCan.
Rick shares how traditional support models don’t always meet people where they are. Geographic limitations, physical health challenges, financial strain, rare diagnoses, and even the emotional weight of walking into an in-person group can all create barriers. For many, simply showing up can feel overwhelming.
AnCan was built to remove as many of those barriers as possible.
Rick’s full interview in Rarity Life offers an inspiring look at leadership shaped by lived experience, and a reminder that meaningful change often begins with one person asking: How can we do this better?
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Video Chat, February 25th, 2026
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Bayer, Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Myriad Genetics, Telix, and Blue Earth Diagnostics.
Active Surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer involves unique challenges compared to other treatments. This online support group is designed for men and their caregivers who are currently on or considering AS. We hold four meetings monthly, recording only the second and fourth sessions. Our discussions cover a wide range of topics, including anxiety management, biopsy experiences, and the decision-making process around continuing or discontinuing AS. Newcomers are given priority to share their experiences, so we encourage you to join us.
You can find out more about our 12 monthly prostate cancer meetings at https://ancan.org/prostate-cancer/. Sign up to receive a weekly Reminder/Newsletter for this Group or others at https://ancan.org/contact-us/.
Chat Log:
AnCan – Dan 8:19 PM
Matthew Cooperberg – ucfhealth.org/providers/matthew-cooperberg
AnCan – Dan 8:20 PM
Also try urology.ucsf.edu/people/cooperberg
Andy, Boca Raton, FL 8:24 PM
Ismail Baris Turkbey, M.D., F.S.A.R. Senior Clinician NCI/CCR/MIB National Institutes of Health Building 10, Room B3B85 Office Phone: 240-760-6112 turkbeyi@mail.nih.gov
Eric- Atlanta 8:31 PM
2nd Opinions for Biopsies -Jonathan Epstein, MD Contact: jepstein@imppllc.com https://advanceduropathology.com -Ming Zhou, MD, PHD Now at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. If you have questions for him, please contact him directly at Email: Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org -John Hopkins Pathology https://pathology.jhu.edu/patient-care/second-opinions Biopsy Videos/Links topics: Master pathologist Zhou continues his primer on prostate biopsies https://howardwolinsky.substack.com/p/master-pathologist-zhou-continues Second Opinion Diagnosis in Prostate Pathology Grand Rounds in Urology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTjOED_da1I Should You Get a Second Opinion on Gleason 6 Pathology Slides? Expert Laurence Klotz, MD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9DE6xhKQ_4
BJ 8:38 PM
yes I will talk next week when it is not recorded
Pradeep Grama 8:38 PM
I get emails from AnCan
Eric- Atlanta 8:45 PM
MRI and Contrast(Gadolinium) use/issue 2025: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0730725X25000670?via%3Dihub No contrast MRI 9/25 Medscape: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/contrast-free-mri-optimal-test-pc-2025a1000nv9?ecd=WNL_trdalrt_pos1_250911_etid7712121&uac=302861BR&impID=7712121&fbclid=IwZnRzaAMwgi9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhYYi9h3-7fJxsrc7c1tUF_oCJ6ZEVmMQJydgUnoePebgInLLQEfiflUJZzA_aem_MZIwUlQ5jszDg0e85x3AaQ
Eric- Atlanta 8:49 PM
Micro Ultrasound physician finder: https://www.exactimaging.com/physician-finder Micro Ultrasound vs MRI in guided biopsies OPTIMUM Trial Results(04/2025): https://www.vumedi.com/video/microultrasound-vs-mri-guided-biopsy-for-prostate-cancer-diagnosis-the-optimum-trial-results/?token=3bdedd05-0b76-4ec4-a1c9-064cd0806a8f&link_data=eyJiZXRfbWFpbF9pdGVtX2lkIjozODE1MDM5MDMsImJldF9tYWlsX2FjdGlvbiI6ImJjIn0%3A1u8F17%3AIbndn9N2vzQ0eVXcd_RdjDyNPHn0JrOEullWh-uonuY
Eric- Atlanta 8:58 PM
2nd Opinions for MRIs Botimage AI for MRIs: https://botimageai.com/prostatid/ ~$250, can also be used for biopsy targeting guidance NIH 2nd Opinion MRI (no fees): Choyke, Peter (NIH/NCI) Radiologist pchoyke@mail.nih.gov Second opinion of MRI from Johns Hopkins Images and Reports for Providers | Johns Hopkins Radiology (hopkinsmedicine.org) Email: eradiologycenter@jhmi.edu Phone: 443-287-7378 Fax: 443-769-1210 -Accolade Radiology NY, PA https://accoladeradiology.com/mritap.html Radiology Check (Switzerland) https://radiologycheck.com/en
AnCan – Dan 9:08 PM
aspatients.org/meeting/transperineal-vs-transrectal-prostate-biopsy/
Eric- Atlanta 9:18 PM
Prostate Biopsy: The Beginning of the End? with Dr. Mark Emberton: https://aspatients.org/event/mri-a-replacement-for-prostate-biopsy/
AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics and Foundation Medicine.
Views expressed in this Recording are solely the opinion of AnCan Foundation, our Moderators and Participants.
AnCan does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices discussed are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500 https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime! You can find out more about our 12 monthly prostate cancer meetings at https://ancan.org/prostate-cancer/ Sign up to receive a weekly Reminder/Newsletter for this Group or others at https://ancan.org/contact-us/
Join our other free and drop in groups:
Men (Only) Speaking Freely…1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern https://ancan.org/men-speaking-freely/
Veterans Healthcare Navigation… 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room https://ancan.org/veterans/
Veterans Speaking freely… 4th Tuesday @ @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room
Editor’s Pick: Switching hormone therapy drugs and for how long is the flavor of the day.
Topics Discussed
AnCan’s poster at GU ASCO26 https://ancan.org/ancan-gu-asco26-survivorship-poster/; doing well on HT, but for how much longer; real world evidence (RWE) lawsuit between Bayer and JnJ ARSI drugs; appointment set with GU MO at Fox Chase; confusion over NCI trial eligibility; stable after 24 months of HT – should he change it up?; triplet to doublet – can he switch HT drugs; abi and cost; HCP decisions to switch drugs; best Sibley GU MO for BRCA2; Siemens Quadrant may give better PSMA images at bladder neck; NEWBIE – climbing PSA on recurrence but nothing seen
Rick – do you have a verifiable mail or phone address for Dr. Epstein so I can request a second opinion of a Fox Chase biopsy? I’ve failed on three attempts.
2. NIH 2nd Opinion MRI (no fees)
Choyke, Peter (NIH/NCI) Radiologist (pchoyke@mail.nih.gov)
3. Second opinion of MRI from Johns Hopkins
Images and Reports for Providers | Johns Hopkins Radiology (hopkinsmedicine.org)
Email: eradiologycenter@jhmi.edu
Phone: 443-287-7378
Fax: 443-769-1210
AnCan GU ASCO26 survivorship poster: participants strongly endorse our Groups
For release on Monday, Feb 23, 2026
AnCan Foundation strongly believes we run the best support groups available!! We can now release the first results of our 2024 AnCan Participant Survey that confirms that our participants think so too. This first batch of results is taken from almost 300 prostate cancer responses at all levels of disease.
99% of respondents would recommend AnCan Groups
66% improved Quality of Life – 83% noted reduced stress; 62% improved nutrition; 56% increased exercise
88% advocated better for themselves and AnCan influenced over half (54%) the treatment paths
47% made new friendships – AnCan’s personal favorite since this extends support well beyond our Groups
If you’re attending GU ASCO26 , please stop by our poster on Friday, Feb 27 to meet Dr. John Antonucci, discuss these astonishing results and the AnCan method, and pick up a flyer of the poster.
Evaluating the impact of virtual peer-led support groups on prostate cancer survivorship: the AnCan experience.
John Antonucci*, Boykin B. Jordan, Anita Oppong, Richard Davis
Abstract Number: 265
Poster Board Number: A23
Session Title: Poster Session B: Prostate Cancer and Urothelial Carcinoma
Date and Time: February 27, 2026, 11:30 AM-12:45 PM; 4:45 PM-5:45 PM (PST)
Background: Comprehensive prostate cancer (PCa) survivorship requires more than just clinical care, including education, psychosocial support, self-advocacy, and lifestyle guidance—needs often unmet by traditional oncology visits. Virtual peer-led support groups, such as those offered by the AnCan Foundation, offer accessible, real-time platforms for patients to share experiences, receive guidance, and foster community, regardless of geography. This study evaluates the impact of AnCan participation on factors known to be associated with a better quality of life (QOL) among PCa survivors.
Methods: A web-based survey was administered in 2024 to PCa survivors who attended or expressed interest in AnCan meetings. Respondents (N=294) provided demographic information and rated AnCan’s impact on QOL, peer support, self-advocacy, and satisfaction. Data were analyzed to assess the subjective influence of AnCan’s virtual support model on survivorship.
Results: (2021 results are in brackets for comparison.) Most respondents were in their 60s–70s (75%), highly educated (82%), and 55% had incomes over $100,000. Eighty-three percent had someone in their lives they could rely on and with whom they maintained regular contact.
Nearly all (97%) found AnCan meetings helpful for disease understanding, learning options, and well-being. Sixty-six percent reported improved QOL; 83% [50%] noted reduced stress; 62% [38%] improved nutrition; and 56% [58%] increased exercise. Satisfaction was high, with 99% recommending AnCan.
AnCan involvement enhanced self-advocacy (88%), improved patient-provider communication, and improved decision-making. Seventy percent brought information from AnCan to their providers, 49% added new providers, and 40% changed their lead provider. Over half (54%) reported that AnCan influenced their treatment path.
Socially, 55% [43%] connected with peers outside meetings, and 47% made new friendships.
Conclusions: Survey responses indicate that the AnCan virtual peer-led model, to be described in the poster, meaningfully increases patient knowledge, empowers self-advocacy, reduces stress, and fosters healthy behaviors, improving quality of life for PCa survivors. We advocate for integrating such peer support into NCCN, AUA, and ASCO survivorship guidelines.
As some of you may know, the liberal telehealth rules to conduct medical appointments remotely that were enabled during Covid, sunsetted late last year. AnCan was upset and vocal that many of our patient advocacy organizations active on The Hill did not campaign more widely to extend it. Organizations like ZERO (prostate cancer) have significant and expensive government relations groups precisely to address such issues on behalf of us patients. AnCan had to bring it to ZERO’s attention to move the ball at a time when ZERO’s high paid CEO was self-admittedly sleeping on the switch.
Telehealth was temporarily extended for those living in rural areas. Then one of our newly minted prostate cancer Moderators, David Sharpe, brought it to AnCan’s attention that legislation was passed on Feb 3, 2026 that has extended comprehensive telehealth through the end of 2027. We asked David to blog its welcome return to wider availability and tell his story around telehealth – thank you Mr. Sharpe!
Medicare Telehealth Coverage Is Extended
The federal government has restored Medicare coverage for telehealth until the end of 2027. That means you can now possibly consult with your doctors online rather than having to meet with them in-person.
Why did I say possibly? Because state medical licensing laws still apply. Often, they can undermine your doctor’s ability to join you on the call. Here’s why: (Don’t construe the following comments as legal or medical advice. This is general information only.)
Telehealth consultations are easiest to arrange when a patient and doctor are in the same state. For instance, if you live in Springfield, Illinois, and want to have a virtual chat with an oncologist in Chicago, no legal impediments are likely to stand in your way.
Things can get tougher if the doctor practices in another state. Physicians are typically required to be licensed in the state where the patient is physically located during the consult. Therein lies a common problem: the doctor is licensed in one state, and you’re in another.
But loopholes exist. According to the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP), “A few states have licenses or telehealth-specific exceptions that allow an out-of-state provider to render services via telemedicine in a state where they are not located, or allow a clinician to provide services via telehealth in a state if certain conditions are met (such as agreeing that they will not open an office in that state). Still other states have laws that don’t specifically address telehealth and/or telemedicine licensing, but make allowances for practicing in contiguous states. . . .” For specifics about your state’s rules, explore CCHP’s handy state-by-state guide: https://www.cchpca.org/topic/cross-state-licensing-professional-requirements/.
Despite those exceptions, many physicians and medical centers require patients to be in the same state as the doctor during telehealth appointments. I wish I’d known that last year, before trying to set up virtual consultations from my home in Portland, Oregon, with Fred Hutch (Washington), UCSF, City of Hope (both California), and MD Anderson (Texas0—all of whom turned me down. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU, Oregon)) would have refused, too, if I had been in any other state.
But some physicians and hospitals were more relaxed about it. Despite remaining in Portland, I wrangled a telehealth visit with a UCLA specialist. Two AnCan buddies of mine in Oregon and Arizona did so as well. I had even better luck with out-of-state doctors in community practices. Two agreed to confer with me online, and one declined.
If you live near—but not in—the state where your doctor practices, perhaps the easiest option is to make a run for the border. One AnCan member has adopted that strategy as a convenient means of communicating with his faraway medical team in an adjacent state while also satisfying the legal requirements. To have that meeting, he travels a few miles from home to a casino just across the state line; the casino lets him conduct telehealth consultations there. That approach shaves hours off what would otherwise be a protracted road trip to talk with his doctors face-to-face. # # #
