ZERO Prostate Cancer Launches Bold $20 Million 'Blitz The Barriers' Initiative to Close Gaps in Prostate Cancer Survival in Highest-Risk Communities

A $7.5M commitment from Novartis as Lead Founding Partner

Introducing Mathew Knowles— educator, music executive, and cancer advocate— as ZERO Prostate Cancer's new global ambassador

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO), the nation's leading advocacy and support foundation for prostate cancer awareness, has announced the launch of Blitz the Barriers during Cancer Prevention Month. This bold initiative, with a target fund goal of $20 million, marks the most ambitious project in the history of U.S. prostate cancer patient programs. It aims to save lives by addressing critical disparities in prostate cancer outcomes, especially among Black men, Veterans, and rural underserved communities. Disparities, due to factors like systemic bias, can exist regardless of income.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S., claiming a life every 15 minutes. Black men are 75 percent more likely to develop aggressive, metastatic disease and two times more likely to die from it. Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. ZERO's Blitz the Barriers will combine education, outreach, and technology to break down barriers to equitable care across 12 highest-risk urban and rural communities over the next ten years. Helping to launch this initiative is ZERO's new global ambassador and Music World Entertainment CEO, Mathew Knowles.

The $7.5 million commitment from Lead Founding Partner, Novartis, an innovative medicines company, will launch Blitz the Barriers. ZERO will activate in Atlanta and Baltimore, pilot cities with significant disparities in prostate cancer health outcomes, and plans to expand to other priority areas, including Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Detroit, Houston, and others. With the support of Novartis and other Lead Partners, Blitz the Barriers will expand resources in these pilot communities with a goal of saving 100,000 lives by 2035.

"The challenges posed by prostate cancer are too significant to ignore, especially in communities where mistrust, stigma, or limited resources have hindered access to life-saving education and care," said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. "Access to reliable experts, information, and a strong support network can transform an individual's cancer journey, breaking down barriers to early detection, treatment, and survival. That's what Blitz the Barriers aims to provide. Together with Novartis and other Lead Partners, we're ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or zip code, receives the care and support they deserve."

"I understand the importance of prioritizing my health as a male breast cancer survivor and BRCA gene carrier," said Dr. Mathew Knowles, educator, author, music executive, and global ambassador for ZERO's Blitz the Barriers. "I lost my grandfather and four of my five uncles to prostate cancer, and a recent health scare of my own reinforced why regular screenings are essential. I'm proud to partner with ZERO Prostate Cancer's Blitz the Barriers initiative to foster conversations, break down barriers, and raise awareness that early detection can save lives."

"Together with ZERO, we aim to transform the prostate cancer landscape where screenings and care are available to all," said Rodney Gillespie, Senior Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, US Oncology, Novartis. "This partnership is a bold step toward a shared vision, and we look forward to embarking on this journey to drive real, lasting change in prostate cancer outcomes at a national and local level."

Key strategies aimed at enhancing access and outcomes are central to this initiative. These include educational and screening-focused collaborations with trusted local organizations such as community centers, faith-based groups, fraternities, and barbershops. There is dedicated support for the often-overlooked needs of caregivers and advocacy to influence legislation, as well as to address systemic barriers that limit participation in life-saving clinical trials.

Learn more about ZERO's Blitz the Barriers and how you can support at zerocancer.org/blitz.

About ZERO Prostate Cancer

ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, 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 over 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 nation's #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org 

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Steph Johnson - Zero Prostate Cancer
[email protected]

Andrea Greif - Mission Partners
[email protected] I 914-772-3027

SOURCE ZERO Prostate Cancer