ZERO Advocacy Summit Ignites National Movement for Prostate Cancer Reform, Rallying Patients, Survivors, and Policymakers on Capitol Hill

Advocates Push for Groundbreaking Policy Changes, Backing the PSA for HIM Act and POPCaP Program to Advance Prostate Cancer Research and Save More Lives.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 ZERO Advocacy Summit, held February 23-25, mobilized more than 150 passionate advocates, survivors, caregivers, and supporters from 41 states in an unprecedented call for action on Capitol Hill. Focused on securing crucial funding and policy changes, the Summit emphasized the urgent need to dismantle barriers, improve early detection, and ensure equitable access to life-saving treatments for all prostate cancer patients.

Four distinguished lawmakers—Rep. Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL), Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA)—were named 2024 Prostate Cancer Champions for their leadership in advancing policies that prioritize prostate cancer care.

Empowering Advocates, Breaking Barriers

A full day of immersive advocacy training empowered attendees with the tools to drive change, culminating in a keynote from Dr. Francis Collins, renowned physician-scientist and former Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, who shared his personal journey as a prostate cancer patient and survivor. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO recognizes that each patient's care journey is unique based on their circumstances, and deciding when and how they choose to share it is very personal. ZERO applauds Dr. Collins for his courageous choice to share his story as a way to empower others to proactively consult and engage with their healthcare provider to safeguard their health. A groundbreaking panel discussion, led by ZERO Prostate Cancer CEO Courtney Bugler, alongside Chief Mission Officer Brian Bragg, Novartis Senior Vice President of U.S. Oncology Rodney Gillespie, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. International Director of Social Action Malwan Johnson, introduced Blitz The Barriers, a bold new $20 million initiative aimed at eliminating critical disparities in prostate cancer outcomes, particularly among Black men, Veterans, and underserved rural communities. This includes expanding efforts ZERO has long supported as part of its education and support programming, which encourages at-risk individuals to discuss PSA testing, active surveillance, and other treatments with their doctors to help increase early detection, reduce overtreatment, and save more lives.

Driving Legislative Action on Capitol Hill

The final day of the Summit saw advocates take their mission directly to Congress, engaging with key lawmakers to demand immediate policy reforms. Top priorities included securing an additional $3 million in funding for a CDC-led prostate cancer awareness campaign and $120 million for the Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP). Legislative advocacy centered on supporting the Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (POPCaP) within the Veterans Health Administration and urging bipartisan support for the PSA for HIM Act H.R. 1300/S.297 —a pivotal bill championed by Rep. Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL), Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). This transformative legislation seeks to mandate cost-free health insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings in high-risk populations, ensuring that early detection saves lives.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

"Since launching our advocacy efforts over twenty years ago, we've driven more than $2.4 billion in federal prostate cancer research funding," said Courtney Bugler, CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. "This surge in support reflects our relentless commitment to turning research breakthroughs into real-world impact, ensuring that early detection and equitable care are a reality for every individual at risk."

"The unwavering commitment we've made at ZERO Prostate Cancer is focused on the brave patients and communities that grapple with this devastating disease every day," said ZERO Chief Mission Officer Brian Bragg. "We advocate fiercely for transformative policies that facilitate early detection, encourage robust research investment, and expand access to care to save lives. With 3.3 million survivors standing with us, we're not just a movement; we're a united force at the forefront of hope for the next generation."

MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie S. Johnson
[email protected] | 202-998-2507

For more information about the ZERO Prostate Cancer ZERO Advocacy Summit, visit https://zerocancer.org/take-action/advocate/summit.

A complete list of 2024 Bold for Blue Prostate Cancer Champion Award honorees is available at https://zerocancer.org/zero-near-me/2025-bold-blue-awards. 

About ZERO Prostate Cancer
ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, awareness, education, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For almost 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care. 

As the #1 provider of prostate cancer programs and resources, ZERO support groups and patient programs across the U.S. serve thousands of patients. ZERO's urgent focus on health equity and education—addressing disparities in diagnosis, care, and treatment—is helping to bring renewed attention to the importance of supporting those most likely to be impacted by the disease.

Join us in the fight at ZEROcancer.org.

SOURCE Zero Prostate Cancer