“Many years ago, when I was facing similar realities, a very wise and understanding voice in cancer sat me down and said, “Hope shifts in cancer.” In the beginning, we are optimistic that our loved one will respond to treatment, and our HOPE is high….as some treatments work and then they don’t, our HOPE shifts to understanding what the outcome might be….and then as the cancer moves to overcome any possible response, HOPE shifts again..this time to comfort and peace for our loved one.”
–Laurie Singer (Care Partner & Pancreatic Cancer Support Group Moderator)
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Video Chat, October 22nd, 2025
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.
AnCan Bill
Jonathan I. Epstein Integrated Medical Professionals Pathology Advanced Uropathology of New York www.advanceduropathology.com jepstein@imppllc.com
AnCan Bill
Ming Zhou, MD, PHD, Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org
AnCan Bill
Have a good night guys. I have an early morning tomorrow. Take care.
Phil Segal- Toronto
Thanks Bill
AnCan – rick
Germline Study….. PROMISE https://www.prostatecancerpromise.org/?utm_campaign=ANCAN&utm_medium=link&utm_source=Webinar
AnCan – rick
MRI 2nd Opinions webinar ProstatID https://ancan.org/webinar-mri-2nd-opinions-prostatid-solves-the-challenge/
Wayne Greaves
Free MRI 2nd opinion at NIH/NCI. Peter Choyke – pchoyke@mail.nih.gov
CNTV’s recent video features an interview with AnCan founder, Rick Davis. He explains that he started AnCan after his own diagnosis in 2007, after realizing inadequate support options, especially for those in remote areas. AnCan aims to eliminate barriers to entry for its various support groups, which range from cancer to chronic diseases. AnCan empowers patients to “Be your own best advocate” by providing them with the knowledge to speak confidently with their healthcare providers and offering peer-to-peer support.
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) is all about bringing evidence-based, comprehensive integrative healthcare to people affected by cancer, with the goal of making their lives better. SIO pushes for solid scientific research—both in the lab and with patients—while also advocating for big changes in oncology. They want to see complementary approaches that are backed by evidence fully integrated into cancer care.
This eBook was written by cancer survivors, patient advocates, and medical professionals, designed primarily as a resource for cancer patients and their caregivers. While it offers information relevant to all types of cancer and people globally, many of its listed resources are U.S.-based. The eBook explains what integrative oncology is, defines related terminology, and outlines the numerous benefits of this approach to cancer care. It provides evidence-based resources and practical tips to help patients afford and incorporate integrative practices into their lives.
Taking on the role of a care partner can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Many experienced care partners will tell you that with a little guidance, it can also be a deeply fulfilling experience. To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled some helpful resources available online.
1.Leaning Into Grief: An Interview With Claire Bidwell Smith
Claire Bidwell Smith is a therapist, grief expert, and author. Click here for her interview about leaning into grief.
2. Cancer Today: Addressing Anger
Anger and Irritability are normal responses to a cancer diagnosis, and this article offers guidance for care partners of cancer patients.
3. NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Palliative Care
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network released an easy to read, patient-centric Palliative Care guidelines that you can view and download. Click here.
4. “Caregiver Life Hacks”
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to care for someone because every care partner and situation is different. What helps one person might not work for another, but many care partners deal with similar challenges. Click here for some simple “life hacks” that might make your day a little easier.
5. “Caregivers Need Care Too”
“However, primary care partners are also thrust into an unfamiliar world of medical treatments, terminology, and appointments. This is why mutual support between the patient and the primary care partner is important—it is a partnership through thick and thin because both the patient and primary care partner need to learn about the complexities of the disease and treatments needed, as well as make important decisions together.” Click here for the full article.
6. Triage Health Caregiver Resources
Click here for a full list of resources about legal and practical matters like taking time off from work, managing family finances and medical bills, replacing lost wages, estate planning, and other resources.
7. Cancer Straight Talk Podcast: Advice and Support for Cancer Caregivers
The podcast Cancer Straight Talk features host Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaking with Dr. Allison Applebaum, the founder of the Caregivers Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). This episode covers navigating the healthcare system and managing the emotions of caregiving.
8. Patient Power: Power of Care Partners: Who Has your Back?
This article is about the crucial role of care partners for people with chronic illness. It distinguishes a “care partner” as a full member of the care team, not just a caregiver. The article also provides advice on practical matters, like having a designated care partner with access to medical records, and emphasizes the importance of care partners looking after their own well-being.
Hi-Risk/Recurrent/Advanced PCa Video Chat, May 19, 2025
It’s GreatNonProfits time of year for AnCan participants! Each year we need 10 new endorsements to retain our GreatNonProfits Seal, so if you’re relatively new &/or have not endorsed us previously, now’s the time. Just click https://greatnonprofits.org/org/ancan-foundation and tell the short version of why you love AnCan Foundation…. THANK YOU!
President Biden’s Diagnosis
Exceptionally, the Moderators dedicated a few minutes at the beginning of the session to discuss Joe Biden’s denovometastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer diagnosis disclosed late last week. AnCan recognizes that most of our particpants directly relate. Start around the 20 minute mark if you prefer to skip Rick Davis’ statement and reactions to President Biden’s diagnosis from those present.
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Bayer, Foundation Medicine, Janssen, Myriad Genetics, Novartis, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostic and Foundation Medicine.
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
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: President Biden’s diagnosis; and, ctDNA testing (rd)
Topics Discussed
President Biden’s mHSPC Dx; younger T3b Newbie faces treatment decision; is ctDNA testing available to patients?; 3rd Pluvicto treatemtn brings heavy side effects; what to expect 2 months after starting a drug holiday; Orgovyx appeal continues; Gent with seizure/cardio issuestakes drug holiday and needs a cardio-oncologist; lowPSAl, pre-chemo Gent starts Pluvicto; should Gent with adrenal insufficiency add 5 mg prednisone?
