As passionate learners, we are fascinated by the stories of people beyond our usual circles and enjoy finding and connecting effective techniques from diverse sectors to reveal their interconnectedness. Our new friendship was born out of curiosity; we first connected at the ZERO Prostate Cancer Summit, finding an effortless dialogue and shared perspectives, transcending conventional social divides with laughter along the way.

Prostate cancer has impacted each of us differently, yet in ways that are equally significant. Teedra’s personal drive to engage in advocacy efforts is rooted in her father’s own victorious struggle with prostate cancer. I owe the last 8 years of my life to early detection of prostate cancer: the PSA test.

Inspired by the fresh perspectives from our newfound friendship and reflective moments stemming from our meeting, Teedra was drawn to reflect on the well-known business notion that “the customer is always right.” This led us to contemplate its significance within the sphere of patient advocacy, particularly for those confronted with cancer.

The role of patient advocates cannot be overstated, as they play a vital part in giving a voice to those in need and ensuring their demands are met, and ZERO annually unites these important leaders during the annual summit. “Being alongside our inspiring community of advocacy leaders from across the country on the steps of the Capitol was one of my proudest moments in nearly 20 years of patient advocacy,” said Courtney Bugler, ZERO president and CEO.

The ripple effects of a diagnosis extend beyond the individual to affect entire communities, particularly in underserved Black and Hispanic populations grappling with prostate cancer. ZERO is at the forefront of raising awareness and advocating for these patients. ZERO’s annual summit highlighted the importance of patient-centered care in improving outcomes and amplifying their voices. In our view, patient-centered care involves aspects of treatment that extend beyond simply treating the cancer. These additional aspects include tending to the patient’s mental, psychological, and social health. This broader care framework expands outside the traditional medical treatment from a physician.

There is much work to be done!

ZERO is committed to bridging the gap between racial and health disparities. Clear communication from physicians is especially key for groups that traditionally lack adequate health care, overcoming language barriers and addressing their health concerns effectively.

As an example, ZERO supports the passing of bills that eliminate cost-sharing for prostate cancer screenings (Figure). Studies have shown that the smallest amount of cost-sharing is a barrier to access. As a result, too many men in vulnerable groups delay getting tested for prostate cancer, which decreases their odds for survival and earlier detection. By eliminating obstacles to screening one by one, we can get men into care earlier, which can lead to better outcomes. Improving access to care is especially important for narrowing the disparities in outcomes.

We believe the lack of access to cancer screenings is certainly important, but what we’re also concerned about is if someone does have an elevated PSA that the person then has access to the “next step” and doesn’t fall through the cracks. Our ZERO360 program and peer-to-peer support programs are also integral in providing patients and caregivers with information and resources to help with understanding the variety of resources for transportation, insurance, and other necessities.

Unfortunately, screening programs are not improving prostate cancer outcomes since the 2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against PSA testing. This resulted in a decline in screening and a subsequent increase in metastatic disease at first diagnosis. It is paramount to attack the issue from every angle—eliminating insurance barriers, educating the public, training primary care physicians—because every action counts.

This led us to consider a provocative idea: could we improve care by tying physician rewards to patient advocacy rather than treatment volume? It’s optimistic and unconventional: let’s dream big!

The trajectory of a patient’s health and their longevity are shaped by various factors including personal resilience, familial support, as well as the involvement of organizations such as ZERO. The urgency for robust support networks and a deep cultural sensitivity in the health care sector cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, Teedra’s father’s fight against prostate cancer was not faced alone, thanks to his strong advocacy support framework. My personal journey with prostate cancer has been eased by the presence of my family and advocacy network, and further strengthened with the recent inclusion of my friend Teedra. This kind of support is a right that should be afforded to all, as it underscores the fundamental principle that every life holds immense value.

Leaving the summit, we gained far more than just a visit to Capitol Hill: a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. The ZERO Summit highlighted the urgency of spreading awareness, supporting the battle against this disease with a community of advocates.