Empowered Patient Podcast: Virtual Support Groups Remove Barriers Encourage Sharing Honest Experiences to Fight Misinformation with Rick Davis, AnCan
AnCan founder, Rick Davis, was recently featured in the Empowered Patient Podcast with Karen Jagoda. This show explores the cutting edge of healthcare, highlighting innovations in generative AI and the latest breakthroughs in therapeutics and vaccines, and explores a shifting landscape where providers, pharma, and payers are prioritizing patient empowerment.
Rick explains, “The mission is to make each person and each patient a better advocate for themselves. That’s really what we try to do, and we do that through empowering patients with peer knowledge. We introduce patients to other peers who have been through what these people are facing right now, not only patients, but also their care partners, and through their experience, we hope that these patients and care partners will become more expert in managing their own situation.”
Hi-Risk/Recurrent/Advanced PrCa Video Chat, Nov 3, 2025
AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Bayer, Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Myriad Genetics, 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: High volume de novo metastatic diagnosis calls for triplet therapy.
Topics Discussed
Newbie with IDC-P (intraductal ) graduates from Low/Intermediate to High Risk Group; … and this Newbie goes the other way; last Newbie’s in the right group – denovo Mx & triplet Tx; wait on debulking treatment; 6 mo. doublet may not have been enough – discuss resumption w. Rettig; restart that prednisone ASAP; what to watch out for starting chemo – Neulasta, freeze packs et al; surgery removes cystitis tissue and finds no cancer
Chat (unabridged)
AnCan – rick
sent: 6:13 PM
877 852 7011 GoTo help
Jim K
sent: 6:18 PM
Yes, my med onc suggested that I check out AUS bcz of my incontinence.
I’d like to see if anyone in the group has had the artificial sphincter put in.
I used to attend X (?) years ago, and stay in touch with Rick, and read the emails. I’ve been undetectable since June 2019, after a recurrence and radiation, after a Rad Pros in Aug 2017.
Jeff Marchi – San Francisco
sent: 6:23 PM
Jay from Miami raised his hand about intraductal
Jim K
sent: 6:23 PM
Thumbs up.
No. Vietnam started to wind down by the time I hit 18, if I recall correctly.
AnCan–John A
sent: 6:25 PM
Jim K; So you have no mike but can hear us, right? I have had the AUS. —John A
Jim K
sent: 6:25 PM
Yes, no mic, but can hear the members.
Jim Marshall, Veteran, Alexandria, VA
sent: 6:26 PM
Think Jim K mike may work. Jim M
Jim K
sent: 6:27 PM
I’m using the browser, on Chrome, not the app, but it’s not enabling my mic. I’m on a Mac laptop.
Yeah, no discernable improvement with Kegels. I use 7 or more pads per day. Just one at night. BUT, to keep my remaining kidney in good shape, I drink 96 oz of water per day, so, lots of peeing, understandably.
Thanks, Larry, I’ll email you.
Steve R.
sent: 6:30 PM
A short video on Intraductal diagnosis and treatment from Urology Times https://www.urologytimes.com/view/dr-miron-on-the-treatment-of-intraductal-carcinoma-of-the-prostate
Will discuss it tomorrow night. Give Dr P my best. My PSA = 0.12 and I do not go back to her till it reaches PSA=0.8-1.0. Might be sometime next year. Jim
Frank Ciambra
sent: 7:06 PM
good night
Mark N
sent: 7:12 PM
Dr. John, I just sent you Dr. Epstein’s biopsy results. Thank you
Jeff Marchi – San Francisco
sent: 7:12 PM
Chicago Illinois Which one? At U of Chicago Russell Szmulewitz, MD – UChicago Medicine Or at Northwestern David J VanderWeele : Physician Profile: Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University : Feinberg School of Medicine: Northwestern University
Jeff Marchi – San Francisco
sent: 7:15 PM
MSI (microsatellite instability) testing for prostate cancer is performed in specialized pathology laboratories using tissue samples obtained during a biopsy or surgery.
Len Sierra
sent: 7:17 PM
According to AI, Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) can be measured in both solid tissue biopsy (tTMB) and liquid biopsy (bTMB
Concordance between liquid TMB and tissue TMB can vary if tumor is not shedding into the blood.
Gary Martin
sent: 7:23 PM
Thank you very helpful information.
Jim Marshall, Veteran, Alexandria, VA
sent: 7:30 PM
I did 60 mionths of ADT + Abi and now am 39+ months into a Treatment Holiday. Jim Marshall
Jon McPhee Toronto
sent: 7:31 PM
What duration of doublet is recommended?
Jim Marshall, Veteran, Alexandria, VA
sent: 7:32 PM
Amount of time answer …. It Depends on many factors.
Bob Schwartz U.S.N. Venice, FL.
sent: 7:35 PM
Congrats Capt. Jim, 39+ months is GREAT!
Jim Marshall, Veteran, Alexandria, VA
sent: 7:37 PM
Eligard & Lupron is the exact same drug with a different method of delivery. Jim
Jim K
sent: 7:40 PM
I have to go, but am interested in AUS surgery. My email is: jimkubat@yahoo.com, if any of you have any time to chat about it. Larry, I’ll reach out. Thanks, Rick!!
AnCan – rick
sent: 7:42 PM
Orgovyx
Hank Zajic Springfield VA
sent: 7:48 PM
I have to go. Thank you everyone.
dan-s
sent: 7:51 PM
I have to go Gents… thanks for another great session
Gary Martin
sent: 7:57 PM
I asked about getting the anti-neutropenia meds and was told they did not plan on ordering those. My blood counts have not been extremely low and I seem to be tolerating docetaxel so far thru 5 infusion, though fatigue has been increasing.
Bruce Schrimpf
sent: 7:59 PM
Must run. Thanks for a great session! I will see Capt. Jim tomorrow.
Joe Comanda (Philadelphia)
sent: 8:00 PM
Need to take off. Will hold my question for another time.
Eric Curtis
sent: 8:05 PM
Gotta run. Appreciate the info
Gary Martin
sent: 8:05 PM
I’ve used cryotherapy (gloves and socks) circulating ice water with Polar Products equipment (available on Amazon) Use it 15 minutes before, during, and 15 minutes after infusion. So far, it’s working to avoid/minimize neuropathy. I also got the frozen gel gloves and socks as backup. It’s a hassle but I think wellworth the effort.
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.
NEW monthy GAY & BISEXUAL MEN’S Prostate Cancer Group starting Tue, Oct 14.
Sign up at https://ancan.org/contact-us/
AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Bayer, Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Myriad Genetics, 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: What’s the right group for me? (rd)
Topics Discussed
Older Newbie on longer term HT is concerned about bone health; post-RRP Gent at high risk considers preemptive radiation; a ‘regular’ preparing to complete HT wonders which group he belongs to; balancing estradiol and testosterone levels; reluctantly considering intermittent hormone therapy; challenges with an out-of-state GU med onc; treatment update and AnCan gratitude; chemo contunues with tests and GU MO encouraging; Gent takes AnCan advice switching to MSKCC.
Chat Log
Steve L
sent: 5:23 PM
No response needed but I want to share that I have lost 18 pounds since my pulmonary embolism cleared. Unfortunately I had gained 48 pounds during the nearly 12 months it took to clear. So 30 plus to go.
Larry (Alaska)
sent: 5:26 PM
Bone strengthening: Bone loss on ADT is considered to be because of too-low estradiol level (same reason post-menopausal women) caused by depression of estradiol that accompanies suppressing testosterone. A man needs a certain level of estradiol which can be supplemented by patches or gel taken through the skin. Standard-of-Care bone strengtheners have side effect that estradiol does not.
Good input, Larry. I agree completely. Lots of docs pitch a fit about it, often based on very old work with non-bioidentical estrogens, orally administered.
Larry (Alaska) sent: 5:42 PM
Look up the “PATCH” study which compared E2 to Lupron over 15 years time
Jeff Marchi – San Francisco sent: 5:44 PM
UCSF bone health seminar May 2025 Therapy – for all men on hormonal therapy • Calcium 1200mg daily • Vitamin D 400 units daily • Denosumab or Zoledronic Acid for mCRPC or Osteoporosis
Thomas Matica sent: 5:49 PM
K2 works in conjunction with vitamin D (D3 preferred) aiding with absorption of the vitamin D. Good idea to take both.
Larry (Alaska) sent: 5:50 PM
AND weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones. Take it as seriously as you take your other medications!!!!!!
Jim Marshall, Veteran, Alexandria, VA sent: 5:51 PM
Vitamin K is great except for those of us on Blood Thinners. Jim M
Brian Haack – Eagle, ID sent: 5:54 PM
Gotta run. Great discussion!
Lee Baylin, Baltimore sent: 6:08 PM
good night all
Steve L sent: 6:12 PM
My radiation was not an initial treatment but 42 months after my De novo diagnosis and after numerous treatments. My prostate had been substantially reduced in size prior to the radiation.
Steve White sent: 6:16 PM
Need to run. Thanks for the discussion
Jim Akin, Bradenton, FL sent: 6:26 PM
Larry, try using app ChatGPT in your research. That is an AI app.
Jeff Marchi – San Francisco sent: 6:28 PM
At U of Chicago Russell Szmulewitz, MD – UChicago Medicine Or at Northwestern David J VanderWeele :
Larry (Alaska) sent: 6:30 PM
Jim, I have used the heck out of AI, especially “Perplexity” and extensively studied the source materials it cites. A number os AI engines are very good. Check out also David Diaz’s book “How to use AI to fight your prostate cancer” available through AMAZON Thanks for the suggestion, Jim.
Hi-Risk/Recurrent/Advanced PrCa Video Chat, Sep 23, 2025
UPCOMING PRESENTATION
Dr. JONATHAN EPSTEIN IS BACK for an AnCan webinar on Tue, Sep 30 at 8.pm Eastern!
“Interpreting Prostate Needle Biopsies in Today’s World”
Bx explained from early AS to advanced Pr Ca inc. AI – with lotsa time for Q&A.
Register at https://ow.ly/PpoX50WVsJ4
NEW monthy GAY & BISEXUAL MEN’S Prostate Cancer Group starting Tue, Oct 14.
Sign up at https://ancan.org/contact-us/
AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Bayer, Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Myriad Genetics, 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: Hiding in plain sight, a new tumor docs failed to mention. (bn)
Topics Discussed
Upcoming AnCan group; newly diagnosed with a spot on his spine — consider zapping both prostate and tumor; what’s happening with Medicare and telehealth?; a Pluvicto update after his first treatment; after focal therapy, docs kept quiet about a new tumor, and it may now be escaping the prostate; lots of metastasis, PSA in the thousands, but he got doublet therapy, not triplet; a 0.04 PSA rise isn’t worrisome; he’s offered Clomid to raise testosterone (why not just take testosterone?); massive sweating spells that far exceed hot flashes; prior mastectomy complicates planned radiation for sore nipples; thanks to John Maxwell for giving AnCan the proceeds of his poetry collection during September; great experience from Dr. Guercio in Rochester; ready to shift his care to a top NYC hospital.
Chat Log
Ben Nathanson · 6:16 PM
NY Times: In Chicago, a New Approach to Gay and Bisexual Men With Prostate Cancer https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/07/health/prostate-gay-sex-cancer.html?unlocked_article_code=1.oE8.Ij-J.lRa7OMYAXY5h&smid=url-share Allen Edel: Gay men should never have a prostatectomy https://www.prostatecancer.news/2021/
AnCan – rick · 6:29 PM
Kevin courtney is the GU med onc
AnCan – rick · 6:29 PM
at UTSW that I ws truying to recall.
Alfredo in Houston · 6:31 PM
https://profiles.utsouthwestern.edu/profile/131906/kevin-courtney.html
Alfredo in Houston · 6:32 PM
https://www.houstonmethodist.org/doctor/eleni-efstathiou/
AnCan – rick · 6:39 PM
PROMISE Trial https://www.prostatecancerpromise.org/?utm_campaign=ANCAN&utm_medium=link&utm_source=Webinar
Alfredo in Houston · 7:03 PM
https://www.uofmhealth.org/profile/2980/todd-matthew-morgan-md
AnCan – rick · 7:27 PM
Interpreting Prostate Needle Biopsies in Today’s World” with global expert Dr.Jonathan Epstein , Advanced Uropathology Register at https://ow.ly/PpoX50WVsJ4 – free.
Jim Marshall, Veteran, Alexandria, VA · 7:28 PM
https://ancan.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ece3f3da90f82cb974b407396&id=9b15081950&e=7e455a27bb For Veterans Speaking Freely. Jim
Don Rogers · 8:08 PM
anastrozole 1 mg twice a week
AnCan – rick · 8:23 PM
casodex
Frank Ciambra · 8:35 PM
i just did my 7th pluvicto last wednesday i am recovering well and ave atrip planned to see my son and his family this weekend and will be jammig music tommorow night
Frank Ciambra · 8:38 PM
im going to see my son who recently retirrd from the teams in va beach mygrandsons have bb tornaments this weekend
AnCan – rick · 8:42 PM
Dr. McHugh, Dr. Rathkopf, Dr. Autio
AnCan – rick · 8:44 PM
geenitourinary (GU) medical oncologist
