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.”
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Video Chat, November 26th, 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.
Chris L. (Windsor, CA)
Gut microbiome & phytochemical rich diet: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vR0QL3oR2k
Chris L. (Windsor, CA)
Asco highlights: https://www.urotoday.com/conference-highlights/asco-gu-2025/asco-gu-2025-prostate-cancer/158203-asco-gu-2025-gut-health-and-prostate-cancer-the-influence-of-a-specific-phytochemical-rich-food-capsule-plus-or-minus-a-probiotic-prebiotic-blend-on-symptoms-and-progression-a-randomised-double-blind-placebo-controlled-trial.html
Eric- Atlanta
https://howardwolinsky.substack.com/p/breaking-transperineal-biopsies-find?utm_source=publication-search
Bill Harris (Los Angeles)
Hi Rick. Hope all is well
Eric- Atlanta
Seminar link and info: https://aspatients.org/event/transperineal-vs-transrectal-biopsy-2025/
Eric- Atlanta
“Key Clinical Trials Driving the Debate Recent trials have brought new insights: Dr. Jim Hu (PREVENT, 2024): Zero infections with TP vs 1.4% with TR, suggesting a reduced risk of sepsis. Dr. Alastair Lamb and Dr. Richard Bryant (TRANSLATE, 2025): TP detected 5–6% more clinically significant cancers (Grade Group ≥ 2) and often required no antibiotics. Dr. Badar Mian (PRoBE-PC, 2024): Both methods proved safe and effective, giving patients more choice. Together, these studies have reshaped how experts think about prostate biopsy safety.”
Ray E Santa Monica Ca
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/262e8d77-95e5-4fef-aa07-9b7a313c25f1
Ray E Santa Monica Ca
Above is a run down on TP vs Transrectal biopsy
Bill (VA)
Walter Reed now performing TP
AnCan – rick
AnCan Prostate Cancer Debate Aug 2022 Dr. George vs Dr. Kaye https://ancan.org/webinar-prostate-cancer-biopsies-the-great-debate/
Bill Harris (Los Angeles)
Bill Harris wmharris@gmail.com
Bill Harris (Los Angeles)
(new inherited mutation group
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Johnson and Johnson, Bayer, Novartis, Myriad Genetics, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
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: Maintaining a 100% temporary rating during active treatment and active surveillance (bj)
Topics Discussed Qualifying for the PACT Act versus proving service connection for other toxic exposures (e.g., Fort Knox); using biopsy reports and surgery records as proof of claim; filing an Intent to File to establish back pay dates; Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ; how new claims affect existing 100% Permanent and Total status (SMC-S); maintaining a 100% temporary rating during active treatment and active surveillance; defining durable remission and managing recurrences; C&P exam criteria for urinary residuals and pad usage; obtaining Nexus letters for non-presumptive claims; understanding TERA (Toxic Exposure Risk Activity) for healthcare eligibility; utilizing VA healthcare as secondary insurance and billing procedures; ChampVA and education benefits for dependents; submitting supplemental claims and crafting personal statements.
Chat
James Schneider sent a chat · 8:18 PM
I am also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It appears PACT also covers type 2. Does that affect me.
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:21 PM
VA Intent to File https://www.va.gov/supporting-forms-for-claims/intent-to-file-form-21-0966/introduction
Eric Baker – Lafayette sent a chat · 8:31 PM
Will 3-month testing be viewed the same way after biochemical recurrence treatment (radiation)?
Larry Schuller – Alaska sent a chat · 8:47 PM
Heavy pads or light pads?
Larry Schuller – Alaska sent a chat · 8:53 PM
I get pads (light and heavy) from the VA. But the heavy ones are inferior to stor-bought ones.
Larry Schuller – Alaska sent a chat · 8:55 PM
Does refusal of one aspect of treatment affect my claim or rating? Radiation has been recommended to me as the only potential for “cure” but I have, so far, declined. With that, the expectation is that I probably would be on ADT for the rest of my life.
Eric Baker – Lafayette sent a chat · 9:01 PM
I am unsure if I will be able to have any additional $ for my treatments for any long period of time, but most importantly, if I receive no additional $, can my cancer still be considered service related or rated from my service?
Richard B, Silver Spring, MD sent a chat · 9:03 PM
The light pads I use are Depends Shields. They are much more comfortable plus extremely easy to change and replace.
Hank Zajic Springfield VA sent a chat · 9:09 PM
I have to sign off but for the new guys in particular, “Welcome!” My testimonial is that Jim Marshall is THE BEST! I am the sort of person who gets pretty intimidated by unfamiliar paperwork. Jim is an absolute combination “Bulldog”, “Seeing Eye Dog”, and “My Best Friend!”. He has been a huge help to me crafting my claim, making sure I do not make dumb rookie mistakes.
Richard B, Silver Spring, MD sent a chat · 9:56 PM
I have to step away for the evening. Thanks to all for the comments and especially Jim. I salute you Captain Jim
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:59 PM
VA Health Care Costs https://www.va.gov/resources/your-health-care-costs/
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:59 PM
VA Priority Groups https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/
AnCan – rick sent a chat · 10:01 PM
I’m going to step away Gents…. lomg day! Happy TG to all
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 10:01 PM
Goodnight Rick!
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 10:01 PM
Happy TG!
AnCan – rick sent a chat · 10:02 PM
For the Vet’s Art Class on Dec 11, please sign up here by Dec 4. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwAhTXll3J57XovzRzE6es-qmUEDQUDB22N5gpCHCJvyCBgg/viewform
Mark WV sent a chat · 10:08 PM
good nite from WV
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 10:09 PM
Goodnight Mark!
Bob Schwartz U.S.N. Venice, FL. sent a chat · 10:10 PM
Have to go, take care all.
Eric Baker – Lafayette sent a chat · 10:11 PM
Thank you all for your assistance this evening! Have a great thanksgiving!!!
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Video Chat, November 12th, 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.
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 – rick
If you have any technical problems, call GoTo at 877 582 7011
AnCan – rick
Dr. Jonathan Epstein – https://advanceduropathology.com Tel: 516-760-2037 jepstein@imppllc.com
AnCan – rick
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
Bill (VA)
You can be a “6” but that assumes it is all found.
AnCan – rick
Dr. Kristen Scarpato Vanderbilt https://www.vumc.org/urology/person/kristen-scarpato-md-mph
Dan Gifford, Pensacola, FL
Tapping out for the night. See you next week.
AnCan – rick
My bet is that Carroll would not recommend annual Bx for 3+3.
NEW monthly GAY & BISEXUAL MEN’s Prostate Cancer Group starting Tue, Oct 14. Sign up at https://ancan.org/contact-us/
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Bayer, Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Myriad Genetics, 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: Treatment recommendations including whole-gland radiation versus active surveillance. (bj)
Topics Discussed PSA history; biopsy results and the importance of getting a second opinion; imaging for staging & PIRADS scoring; molecular/genetic testing including Polaris molecular predictive tests; treatment recommendations including whole-gland radiation versus active surveillance; PSMA PET scans and their high success rate for detection; various biopsy techniques stressing the importance of getting a MRI before a biopsy; Prostox as a test for predicting urinary issues following treatment; radiation treatments and the potential for urinary and erectile side effects.
Chat Log
AnCan – Stuart sent a chat · 7:45 PM Dr. Ming Zhou – Mt Sinai Health System Email: Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org Phone: 212-241-8881 Dr. Jonathan Epstein – https://advanceduropathology.com/ Email: jepstein@imppllc.com Phone: 516-760-2037
David Keller Jacksonville, Florida sent a chat · 9:01 PM Thank you for a good meeting. Need to go. Have a great week.
Jim Stewart Reno, NV sent a chat · 9:15 PM signing out, good night all!
Henry sent a chat · 9:31 PM I was also informed to have surgery because of the enlarged prostrate . It changes things, when the prostate is larger than usual.
Mark WV sent a chat · 9:34 PM Sorry have to go. good night
