Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, February 23, 2026

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, February 23, 2026

by | Mar 5, 2026 | Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, Recorded Groups

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.

Join our other free and drop in groups:
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

Rarity Life Magazine Featuring Rick Davis

Rarity Life Magazine Featuring Rick Davis

by | Feb 27, 2026 | Advocacy, Blood Cancers, Brain Tumors, Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, Exercise, Health Resources, High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, mCRPC, Men 'Speaking Freely', Men's Breast Cancer, Mental Health, mHSPC, Multiple Sclerosis, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Recent News, RMC, Sarcoidosis, Veterans

Rarity Life Magazine Feature: Rick Davis

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?

 

Read more stories & Rick’s article here:
https://www.samebutdifferentcic.org.uk/raritylife
2nd Opinions for MRIs

2nd Opinions for MRIs

by | Feb 25, 2026 | Active Surveillance PCa, Health Resources, High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer

Thank you to Eric Milsen for putting together this list of 2nd opinions for MRIs.

 

1. Botimage AI for MRIs
https://botimageai.com/prostatid/ ($250, can also be used for biopsy targeting guidance)

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

4. Accolade Radiology NY, PA
https://accoladeradiology.com/mritap.html

5. Radiology Check (Switzerland)
https://radiologycheck.com/en

 

 

AnCan GU ASCO26 survivorship poster: participants strongly endorse our Groups

AnCan GU ASCO26 survivorship poster: participants strongly endorse our Groups

by | Feb 23, 2026 | Active Surveillance PCa, Advocacy, Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, Exercise, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, mCRPC, Men 'Speaking Freely', Mental Health, mHSPC, Nutrition, Press, Prostate Cancer, Recent News, Uncategorized

AnCan | Virtual Support Calls

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.

CONTACT

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

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.

POSTER

 

 

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, February 23, 2026

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, February 9, 2026

by | Feb 10, 2026 | Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, Recorded Groups

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, February 9, 2026

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, February 9, 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.

Join our other free and drop in groups:
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: Feeling comfortable with your medical team today avoids treatment regret in the future. (bj)

Topics Discussed
Importance of getting a second reading/opinion on your prostate cancer biopsy results; go to a center of excellence for your treatment; concerns about the validity of the PROSTOX genetic test; concerns that some medical teams recommendations are out-dated and/or not aligned with current best practices for standards of care; feeling comfortable with your medical team today avoids treatment regret in the future; understanding medicare costs for consultations and procedures, your out-of-pocket costs may not be as bad you think; rising PSA after treatment when should you worry; considering treatment options surgery, radiation, and ADT.

Chat

Stuart sent a chat · 7:50 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

Stuart sent a chat · 7:51 PM
Dr. Jonathan Epstein – https://advanceduropathology.com/  Tel:516-760-2037    jepstein@imppllc.com

AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 8:12 PM
Dr. Ming Zhou   https://profiles.mountsinai.org/ming-… Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org  212 241-8881

AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 8:14 PM
Dr. Jonathan Epstein   Ep-stine! Dr. Jonathan Epstein – https://advanceduropathology.com/ Tel: 516-760-2037 jepstein@imppllc.com

“Playing the Long Game” – Does your Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer Need Treating? NCI Seminar

“Playing the Long Game” – Does your Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer Need Treating? NCI Seminar

by | Jan 30, 2026 | High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced, High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, mCRPC, mHSPC, nmCRPC, Recent News, Recorded Groups, Uncategorized, Webinars

“Playing the Long Game” – Does your Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer Need Treating?

National Cancer Institute Seminar with Dr. Ravi Madan and Dr. Melissa Abel,  Jan 30, 2026

READ THROUGH – you won’t regret it!! (rd)

A recent article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology with a very dry title caught our eye – National Cancer Institute’s Working Group on Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer: Clinical Trial Design Considerations

AnCan has long been perplexed by the prostate cancer category “non-metastatic Castrate Resistant” or even “non-metastatic Hormone Sensitive”. If PSA is rising after primary treatment but prior to hormone treatment, something’s going on, however, ‘micro-metastatic’. It’s like being just a little bit pregnant!!

This paper considers a new category, PSMA Positive Biochemically Recurrent – PSMA+ BCR. We circulated the paper to our Brains Trust and reached out to Dr. Ravi Madan at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) with a couple of questions. Dr Madan offered to meet with us along with his colleague, Dr. Melissa Abel. What resulted was this REMARKABLE video that could present many of our recurrent and advanced AnCan (& non-AnCan) participants with one of the most mind-blowing videos many have seen in a long time,

DO YOU REALLY NEED TREATMENT??

As the venerable and highly respected Dr. Paul Schellhammer said in the meeting, “it’s like listening 15 years ago to the folks who began to promote active surveillance ( in first line treatment)”     Dr. Madan and Dr. Abel have collected solid data from around 150 patients that suggests men with slow PSA doubling times can “play the long game” as Dr. Ravi calls it, and defer active treatment when their disease recurs.

PLEASE watch this astonishing presentation, listen to some excellent observations and questions, and consider how it relates to your own situation. And spread the word to others. Dr. Madan’s and Dr. Abel’s NCI clinical trial can be found at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05588128. Don’t immediately assume you’re not eligible before speaking with them… but you’ll have to watch the video to get their contact information.

See this related report on a UCLA study reported in the JNCCN Feb 2025

Good summary article in ASCO Post 04/03/25