Support Groups for Prostate Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones

It can be scary and overwhelming dealing with all the questions, options, and uncertainty that come with a prostate cancer diagnosis. You may even feel like no one knows what you’re going through. It’s important to know that you are not alone.

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, affecting not only the patient, but also friends, family, and caregivers. There are a number of advocacy and support groups that provide credible information, practical help, and a sense of hope through community.

Learn about some of the support groups that can help you feel less isolated and more confident.

ZEROProstate Cancer

In 1996, inspired by the National Breast Cancer Coalition, patie

nts, physicians, and advocates came together to form the National Prostate Cancer Coalition—now known as ZERO Prostate Cancer. ZERO’s activities range from rallying support in Congress to offering free mobile prostate cancer screenings to addressing health disparity and equity issues.

ZERO’s website offers financial resources, lists opportunities to participate in research, and shares information specifically for Black men, Veterans, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

There are also peer support resources and a searchable database of support groups.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeroProstateCancer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zerocancer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroprostatecancer
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zeroprostatecancer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeroprostatecancer

Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)

This year the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) marks its 30th anniversary of funding prostate cancer research and providing support to those affected by the disease. Its website contains a wealth of patient resources, including educational guides, tips for adjusting to life with prostate cancer, and information on family cancer risk. PCF also hosts a number of private, moderated support groups on Facebook geared toward different interests and audiences:

• Prostate Cancer and Veterans
• Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer
• Prostate Cancer Caregivers
• Metastatic Prostate Cancer
• Prostate Cancer Survivors
• Prostate Cancer and Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Women
• Prostate Cancer and African American Men
• Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance
• Prostate Cancer and Men Diagnosed Under 50
• Non Surgical Prostate Cancer Treatments
• Prostate Cancer Family Survivors
• Eat It To Beat It PLUS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCF.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prostate-cancer-foundation/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PCFnews

Malecare

Malecare has been advocating for prostate cancer patients and survivors since 1998, when it created the first prostate cancer patient advocacy and support program for gay and bisexual people. It focuses on underrepresented populations, including African American, Native American, and Latino communities and transgender women with prostate cancer.

In 2002, Malecare began focusing on reducing the disparity of African American men dying of prostate cancer at twice the rate of Caucasian men, and their website includes the downloadable booklet “Prostate Cancer While Black.”

In 2011 Malecare founded the Global Prostate Cancer Alliance, which brings together prostate cancer organizations from around the world. They have extensive video resources via their YouTube channel.

Malecare hosts prostate cancer support groups for:

• Gay men
• Early-stage cancer
• Caregivers, spouses, and partners
• Advanced-stage cancer
• Erectile Dysfunction

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Malecare/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/malecare/about/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prostatenews

National LGBT Cancer Project

The National LGBT Cancer Project was started by Malecare in 2005 and is the U.S.’s first LGBT cancer survivor support and advocacy group.

On the organization’s website, you can sign up for a virtual support group based on type of cancer and access the report “Moving On: Mental Health, Resilience and Sexual Recovery among Gay Men living with Prostate Cancer.”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LGBTCancerProject

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LGBTCancer

National LGBT Cancer Network

The National LGBT Cancer Network aims to educate the LGBT community about cancer risks, train healthcare providers, and advocate for LGBT cancer survivors.

The organization has an active social media presence, and you can also sign up via their website for a virtual cancer peer-support group.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalLGBTcancerNetwork/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-lgbt-cancer-network/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cancerLGBT

Fans for the Cure

Fans for the Cure was started in 2003 by NYC baseball announcer Ed Randall after he was diagnosed with the disease. Expanding from its initial awareness efforts at minor league baseball games, the organization now hosts screenings and health fairs year round.

It also holds semi-monthly online support groups: one for women, hosted by women, and one for men. In addition, Randall hosts the podcast Stay in the Game: Conversations about Prostate Cancer with Ed Randall.