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AnCan is proud to have started virtual groups with prostate cancer back in 2010. We tested platforms, moderation techniques, communication, publicity and more and think we got it right – regular participation and healthy attendance suggests we did!

AnCan now holds 11 dedicated prostate cancer virtual groups monthly … and a 12th men-only, pan-cancer group, Speaking Freely, to discuss the non-technical issues around cancer.

All our prostate cancers groups are open to caregivers.

Our PCa groups are:

  • High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer weekly
  • Low/Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer twice monthly
  • Low/Intermediate Risk Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer weekly
  • Under-60 Advanced Prostate Cancer monthly

For more information on each group, see below.

AnCan loves to collaborate – we are stronger together than divided! 

 

***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 click here to download interactive FDA Form 3500***

 

Instructions for Joining a Group

 

Click HERE to learn how to connect with your computer or phone. No downloads required.

Click HERE to sign up for email reminders on virtual groups that interest you.

All of our groups are FREE…

and you can drop in at any time!

Quick Links

 

 Click HERE for a complete list of resources

Sponsors

Upcoming Prostate Cancer Groups

Active Surveillance

Active Surveillance (AS) for low  and low-intermediate risk prostate cancer presents its own challenges that are very different from other treatment protocols. This virtual group is for men and caregivers on or considering AS to treat their condition. New participants are given priority to discuss their situation.

1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wednesdays of each month at 8 pm EST/EDT (US)
 

Moderators:  Ken Mason , Howard Wolinsky,  Jim Schraidt, Hugh Idstein, Garry Tosca

Low/Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer

This group is for all men diagnosed with low or intermediate risk disease at whatever stage of treatment. We often discuss the greatest quandary faced by newly diagnosed men …. treatment alternatives & side effects, with men who have experienced the range of treatments.  New participants are given priority to discuss their situation. Caregivers welcome.

2nd & 4th Mondays of every month at 8pm EST/EDT (US)

Moderators: Peter Kafka, Bill Franklin, Russ Smith & Ken Mason

High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Men and Caregivers

This group is for men with complex disease either at diagnosis, or whose disease has recurred with or without evidence of metastasis. With men who have experienced the gamut of treatments, we discuss status, as well as new developments in treatment and technology. New participants are given priority to discuss their situation. Caregivers welcome.

Please note that occassional calendar quirks may require we shift meetings to avoid holding groups on successive nights.

Our sessions are recorded and posted to AnCan’s YouTube Channel, shared on social media and elsewhere.

1st & 3rd Mondays of every month at 8pm EST/EDT (US)

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of every month at 6pm EST/EDT (US)

Moderators: Rick Davis, Jake Hannam, Len Sierra, Peter Kafka

Under-60 Advanced
Back in mid-2012, the US Preventative Services Task Force first made the following recommendation with an associated D Grade:
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)–based screening for prostate cancer.

 At the time, prostate cancer advocates objected strongly, warning it would result in many more men diagnosed de novo metastatic, and ultimately more disease specific deaths.

 
Sadly, we have seen this manifested, especially with respect to younger men. AnCan clearly sees the trend along with a lack of support for the particular needs expressed by younger men living with advanced prostate cancer. Along with our  partner, UsTOO, we have established an Under-60 Advanced Prostate Cancer Virtual Group to address these needs. Caregivers welcome.
 

2nd Thursday of each month at 7 pm Eastern in The Barniskis Room (222-583-973)

Moderators: Russ Smith, John Ivory

Apr
22
Low/Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer
8:00 pm
Apr
23
High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer Men and Caregivers Video Chat Virtual Support
6:00 pm
Apr
24
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer
8:00 pm
May
1
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer
8:00 pm
May
6
High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer Men and Caregivers Video Chat Virtual Support
8:00 pm

Meet our moderators

Bill Franklin
Board Member; Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer Moderator
Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015 aged 51.  Two months after a prostatectomy, he experienced a rapid rise in PSA and was treated with adjuvant radiation and 22 months of androgen deprivation therapy (Lupron).
Bill Burhans headshot
Bill Burhans Ph.D.
Board & Advisory Board Member; Moderator
In Memoriam
Len Sierra
Advisory Board Member& HiRisk-Recurrent-Adv Prostate Cancer Moderator
Len Sierra is a research pharmacist by training who found himself in The Reluctant Brotherhood when diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014.
Ken Mason
Prostate/Bladder/Kidney Cancer Patient; AS & Low/Intermediate Moderator
Ken Mason has way too much experience with cancer ...... diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer for which he follows active surveillance, he subsequently found low risk bladder cancer during an NIH exam, and then kidney cancer.
Peter Kafka Headshot
Peter Kafka
Low-Intermediate & HiRisk-Rec-Adv Prostate Cancer Moderator
Peter Kafka is a caring, buoyant retired long-time resident of Maui, Hawaii.  He was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2014.
Jake Hannam
In Memoriam
Jake Hannam has battled prostate cancer since 2010. Treated with cryotherapy in 2012, his cancer subsequently metastasized to bone, and has since been managed with advanced hormone therapy.
Rick Davis
Founder/Board Member/HiRisk-Recurrent-Advanced Prostate Cancer Moderator
Rick Davis was diagnosed in 2007 with locally advanced prostate cancer and chose two types of radiation and 28 months of hormone therapy.
Ben Nathanson
High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer Moderator
"I believe in the remarkable chemistry that is AnCan. Just by speaking together, we change lives."
Russ Smith headshot
Russ Smith
Low/Intermediate, Under-60 Prostate Cancer Moderator
Russ Smith is committed to making other lives better.
Hugh Idstein
AS Prostate Cancer Moderator
Hugh’s PCa journey started several years ago when his PSA began to rise in the 4-5 range.
Alexa Jett
Moderator and Advocate
through AnCan, she proudly wears the ‘Advocate Hat’ for all!
John Ivory
Moderator
Younger metastatic prostate cancer survivor provides a valuable perspective.
Herbert ‘Herb’ Geller PhD
Board & Advisory Board Member; Moderator
In-Memoriam
Dr. John Antonucci MD
Advisory Board Member & HiRisk/Rec/Adv Prostate Cancer Moderator
Addiction Medicine Psychiatrist
Dr. Stacy Loeb
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Stacy Loeb - nutrition & fitness, prostate cancer urologist
Howard Wolinsky headshot
Howard Wolinsky
Advisory Board Member/ AS Prostate Cancer Moderator
Howard Wolinsky, a Chicago-based freelance medical journalist, was the Chicago Sun-Times medical writer for nearly 30 years.
Jim Schraidt
Prostate Cancer Moderator - AS & Low/Intermediate
Jim Schraidt is a  passionate advocate for better, less harmful prostate cancer treatment!

Related Blog posts

Our services are free, but if you benefit then please consider a tax deductible donation. You can also support us by signing up to Amazon Smile and nominating Answer Cancer Foundation at no cost to you.

AnCan does not provide medical advice – we do empower you to manage your own care.

​Our calls are recorded and posted on this website for later listening; please note we are a peer-to-peer support group and not subject to HIPAA compliance.

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