It is easier to identify where the problems are for cancer survivors but it is much more difficult to identify what the solutions are to those problems. We hear that one of the reasons that prostate cancer deaths are higher than they should be is access to care. We all know that some men are over treated but we also know that some men do not get care until their prostate cancer is advanced and too late for localized treatment.

One of the solutions may be to have funds available for men who are uninsured or underinsured. The state of California has attempted to address this issue by designating funds for the IMPACT Program. There is Federal Legislation, The Manton Bill, that will attempt to address this problem on the federal level. Another potential solution is some sort of universal health insurance. We hear this debated by politicians but as advocates we need to attempt to separate politics from fact. One of my prostate cancer friends sent me a link to an article in the New Republic where the author has attempted to separate truth from myth related to health care around the world.

Advocates should be aware of all these options. We need to separate politics from the discussion and deal with the issues from a factual basis. We need to learn and study so we are not just talking from emotion but from a sound facts. Most importantly we must work to find a way to help men dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis who are without means to have access to the medical system.

Look beyond our personal situation and address problems related to prostate cancer for the entire population. Try to remove politics from the conversation. Most importantly get involved. It is only through people like you and me that improvements will happen. The more people who get involved the more likely we are to see change. I do not have all the answers. I have a pretty good idea what at least some of the problems are. We need to unite to make a difference. Are you going to be part of the solution?