European Prostate Cancer Virtual Support Group, March 18, 2026
Our European AnCan audience, who find it tough to attend meetings at late hours of the night, have requested a meeting at a more time-friendly hour. Unlike our other prostate groups, this meeting is open to all levels until there is a quorum to establish separate groups for different levels of prostate cancer. The meeting will start with the lowest grade, allowing men to drop out along the way.
This peer-led, free, and drop-in meeting is open to patients and care partners and will be conducted in English. It is open to all; however, Euro-based participants are given priority. This group is held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 2 pm Eastern/ 8 pm CET in The Barniskis Room (222-583-973) https://ancan.org/barniskis Sign up to receive a Reminder at https://ancan.org/contact-us
AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, 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: Is 5 years on enzalutamide without a change too long?
Topics Discussed
Recurrence well handled by a trial immunotherapy in Germany… or was it the radiation therapy; HT French style gives little wiggle room; surgery coming up fast at Martini to address advanced diagnosis; HT is working for Brit – BUT does it need changing up?; hyperbaric treatment in Eire to address RT cystitis
treatment options at the Nuclear Medicine in Heidelberg.
AnCan – Rick sent: 12:47 PM
Dr Jonathan Epstein. Advanced Uropathology of New York 700 Stewart Ave, Suite 101 Garden City, NY 11530 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00AM – 6:00PM P: 516-760-2037 F: 516-200-3899 jepstein@imppllc.com
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Video Chat, March 11th, 2026
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
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:
Michael 8:17 PM
I’m good, I have to drop off at five for work. Just got interrupted once so I may drop off before 5.
Eric- Atlanta 8:20 PM
TP with MRI Fusion list: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/List-of-some-current-platforms-for-MRI-ultrasound-fusion-biopsy_tbl3_379682364
Eric- Atlanta 8:23 PM
ExactVU finder: https://www.exactimaging.com/physician-finder
AnCan – Rick 8:30 PM
29 Neither DRE nor bicycle riding appreciably alters the PSA,30, 31 and most controlled studies evaluating ejaculation suggest it either does not significantly impact or modestly increases (~10%) PSA.32
AnCan – Rick 8:32 PM
(30) Crawford ED, Schutz MJ, Clejan S et al: The effect of digital rectal examination on prostate-specific antigen levels. JAMA 1992; 267: 2227 (31) Jiandani D, Randhawa A, Brown RE et al: The effect of bicycling on psa levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2015; 18: 208 (32) Tarhan F, Demir K, Orcun A and Madenci OC: Effect of ejaculation on serum prostate-specific antigen concentration. Int Braz J Urol 2016; 42: 472
AnCan – Dan 8:34 PM
https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/oncology-guidelines/prostate-cancer
Eric- Atlanta 8:35 PM
Current NCCN Guidelines:https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/prostate-early-patient.pdf
AnCan – Dan 8:40 PM
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/can-getting-a-biopsy-make-cancer-spread.html
AnCan – Rick 8:41 PM
Cancer PEP https://cancerpep.com/
AnCan – Dan 8:43 PM
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814235/
Eric- Atlanta 8:59 PM
Re NCCN: I could not find any NCCN preparation procedures for PSA test on their link from above.
AnCan – Rick 9:03 PM
the patient-centric guidelines that Eric posted are ‘dumbed down’ for our consumption. The actual guidelines are what dan gifford provided.
AnCan – Rick 9:13 PM
Should also point out that what Eric posted are NCCN. What we’re speaking about are the AUA Guidelines.
Dan Pertschuk-San Diego 9:23 PM
It’s said that we all live two lives and the second life begins when we realize we only have one.
Eric- Atlanta 9:33 PM
“Who is Eligible for PCPEP PC-PEP is being offered as part of a research study to men who have had a prostate cancer diagnosis and meet the following criteria: Are safe to exercise and do strength training Have access to email and internet daily Are able to watch videos and willing to follow the program for 6 months Have a life expectancy of 2 years or more Willing to take 4 on-line surveys over two years as part of the trial”
Marty Keough Auburn NY 9:36 PM
Sorry I could not get my camera to show me or audio to speak to you! Thanks for what You All Do! Marty Keough
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?
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Video Chat, February 25th, 2026
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 – Dan 8:19 PM
Matthew Cooperberg – ucfhealth.org/providers/matthew-cooperberg
AnCan – Dan 8:20 PM
Also try urology.ucsf.edu/people/cooperberg
Andy, Boca Raton, FL 8:24 PM
Ismail Baris Turkbey, M.D., F.S.A.R. Senior Clinician NCI/CCR/MIB National Institutes of Health Building 10, Room B3B85 Office Phone: 240-760-6112 turkbeyi@mail.nih.gov
Eric- Atlanta 8:31 PM
2nd Opinions for Biopsies -Jonathan Epstein, MD Contact: jepstein@imppllc.com https://advanceduropathology.com -Ming Zhou, MD, PHD Now at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. If you have questions for him, please contact him directly at Email: Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org -John Hopkins Pathology https://pathology.jhu.edu/patient-care/second-opinions Biopsy Videos/Links topics: Master pathologist Zhou continues his primer on prostate biopsies https://howardwolinsky.substack.com/p/master-pathologist-zhou-continues Second Opinion Diagnosis in Prostate Pathology Grand Rounds in Urology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTjOED_da1I Should You Get a Second Opinion on Gleason 6 Pathology Slides? Expert Laurence Klotz, MD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9DE6xhKQ_4
BJ 8:38 PM
yes I will talk next week when it is not recorded
Pradeep Grama 8:38 PM
I get emails from AnCan
Eric- Atlanta 8:45 PM
MRI and Contrast(Gadolinium) use/issue 2025: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0730725X25000670?via%3Dihub No contrast MRI 9/25 Medscape: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/contrast-free-mri-optimal-test-pc-2025a1000nv9?ecd=WNL_trdalrt_pos1_250911_etid7712121&uac=302861BR&impID=7712121&fbclid=IwZnRzaAMwgi9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhYYi9h3-7fJxsrc7c1tUF_oCJ6ZEVmMQJydgUnoePebgInLLQEfiflUJZzA_aem_MZIwUlQ5jszDg0e85x3AaQ
Eric- Atlanta 8:49 PM
Micro Ultrasound physician finder: https://www.exactimaging.com/physician-finder Micro Ultrasound vs MRI in guided biopsies OPTIMUM Trial Results(04/2025): https://www.vumedi.com/video/microultrasound-vs-mri-guided-biopsy-for-prostate-cancer-diagnosis-the-optimum-trial-results/?token=3bdedd05-0b76-4ec4-a1c9-064cd0806a8f&link_data=eyJiZXRfbWFpbF9pdGVtX2lkIjozODE1MDM5MDMsImJldF9tYWlsX2FjdGlvbiI6ImJjIn0%3A1u8F17%3AIbndn9N2vzQ0eVXcd_RdjDyNPHn0JrOEullWh-uonuY
Eric- Atlanta 8:58 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 – Dan 9:08 PM
aspatients.org/meeting/transperineal-vs-transrectal-prostate-biopsy/
Eric- Atlanta 9:18 PM
Prostate Biopsy: The Beginning of the End? with Dr. Mark Emberton: https://aspatients.org/event/mri-a-replacement-for-prostate-biopsy/
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.
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.
