Blue Cure

IS THE “PROSTATE CANCER” LABEL FOR GLEASON 6 DOING MORE HARM THAN GOOD? This has become one of the biggest debates in prostate cancer care. In this clip, Scott Eggener, MD discusses why some experts believe certain low-risk Gleason 6 prostate cancers may eventually need a different name. As Dr. Eggener explains, many men hear the word “cancer” and immediately assume the worst, even when certain low-risk prostate cancers may never spread, cause symptoms, or shorten life expectancy. That psychological burden can sometimes become severe. In this clip, Dr. Eggener discusses research showing that men diagnosed with Gleason 6 prostate cancer have a measurably higher rate of suicide compared to the general population, despite many of these cancers being considered very low risk. At the same time, other experts worry that changing the name could confuse patients or cause some men to stop following up appropriately with Active Surveillance. Active Surveillance is a management approach where certain low-risk prostate cancers are carefully monitored over time with PSA testing, imaging, and follow-up appointments rather than immediate treatment. Dr. Eggener was at University of Chicago at the time this interview was recorded and now serves as Chair of Urology at UCLA Health. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, talk with a qualified urologist about your specific situation and management options. And for men who have never discussed prostate cancer screening, ask your doctor whether PSA testing may be appropriate based on your age, family history, symptoms, and overall risk factors. What are your thoughts on this debate? Educational only. Not medical advice.

SHOULD GLEASON 6 STILL BE CALLED PROSTATE CANCER? This has become one of the biggest and most debated conversations in prostate cancer care. In this clip, Scott Eggener, MD discusses why some experts believe low-risk Gleason 6 prostate cancer may eventually need a different name. Why does this matter? As Dr. Eggener explains, many men hear the word “cancer” and immediately assume the worst, even when certain low-risk prostate cancers may never spread, cause symptoms, or shorten life expectancy. That fear can sometimes lead to unnecessary anxiety, overtreatment, and major quality-of-life decisions involving urinary, sexual, and emotional health. At the same time, other experts worry that changing the name could confuse patients or cause some men to stop following up appropriately with Active Surveillance. Active Surveillance is a management approach where low-risk prostate cancer is carefully monitored over time with PSA testing, imaging, and follow-up appointments rather than immediate treatment. This conversation is still evolving and remains actively debated among leading experts. Dr. Eggener is a urologic oncologist who was at University of Chicago at the time this interview was recorded. He has since been named Chair of Urology at UCLA Health. We originally shared portions of this interview last year and are repurposing several excerpts because this topic continues to generate important discussion throughout the prostate cancer community. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, talk with a qualified urologist about your specific situation, risk level, and treatment options before making decisions. This conversation continues to evolve among leading experts. What are your thoughts on this debate? Educational only. Not medical advice.

MANAGING ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER FOR 17 YEARS When many people hear the words “advanced prostate cancer,” they immediately think the worst. Bob Evans wants men to know there can still be hope, treatment options, and life ahead. Diagnosed in 2009, Bob has now been managing advanced prostate cancer for 17 years. In this clip, Bob explains in simple terms how his treatment works. Prostate cancer often feeds on testosterone. To help slow the cancer from spreading, Bob was placed on medication that suppresses testosterone production. This approach is commonly called hormone therapy or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). As testosterone levels drop, PSA levels often drop as well, which can be a sign that treatment is helping keep the cancer under control. That’s why Bob continues getting regular PSA tests every few months. He also shares something many men quietly experience: the anxiety leading up to those appointments and waiting for results. That emotional side of cancer is real too. One of the most important takeaways from Bob’s story is that advanced prostate cancer does not always mean immediate hopelessness. With ongoing monitoring, treatment, experienced physicians, and support, many men continue working, traveling, exercising, spending time with family, and living meaningful lives. Bob Evans has been living with advanced prostate cancer since 2009 and is a men’s health advocate and longtime Movember Ambassador, using his voice to help other men feel less alone and more informed. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, stay engaged with your medical team, ask questions, stay on top of follow-up appointments, and do not lose hope. And for men who have never discussed PSA testing, bring it up with your physician or a urologist. Early detection can provide more treatment options and help identify prostate cancer before it spreads. Educational only. Not medical advice.

PROACTIVE UROLOGICAL HEALTH STARTS WITH CHECKUPS Many men assume that if they feel fine, exercise, and eat relatively well, there’s no reason to see a doctor. But some important health markers, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and early-stage urologic conditions like prostate cancer and enlarged prostate (BPH), can develop quietly over time without obvious symptoms. In this clip, urologist Alisa Berger, MD explains why routine checkups still matter, even for men who feel healthy and active. Lifestyle habits matter, but genetics and silent risk factors can still play a major role in long-term health. Building the habit of annual checkups can also lead to earlier conversations around PSA testing, prostate health, and preventative care. As Dr. Berger explains, many health issues are simply not things you can feel or detect on your own. It starts with a conversation. Featuring: Alisa Berger, MD Urologist If it has been years since your last physical or routine checkup, consider taking that first step and scheduling an appointment with a primary care doctor. Educational only. Not medical advice.

WHAT DOES “BOARD-CERTIFIED UROLOGIST” MEAN? A lot of people online have medical credentials after their name. But not all clinical training is the same. In this clip, Maheetha Bharadwaj, MD explains the difference between earning a medical degree and becoming a board-certified urologist. The medical training ladder, simplified: • MD or DO: Completed medical school. Physicians can prescribe medication and enter residency training, but they are not board-certified specialists yet. • Board-Certified Urologist: Completed an additional 5–6 years of hands-on clinical residency training focused specifically on urology, followed by rigorous written and oral board examinations. • Andrology / Men’s Health Fellowship: Some urologists complete additional fellowship training focused specifically on male fertility, testosterone, sexual medicine, and men’s health. Why does this matter? Because social media can make it difficult for the average person to tell who actually specializes in the condition they’re discussing. That does not mean every doctor online is wrong. But it does mean it is worth taking a moment to understand a person’s training, specialty, and clinical experience before acting on medical advice. Featuring: Maheetha Bharadwaj, MD Urologist in Training, PGY-4 Before taking medical advice online, click the profile, review the credentials, and ask: Does this person actually specialize in this area of medicine? Educational only. Not medical advice.

HOW TO SPOT MEDICAL MISINFORMATION Social media can be a powerful tool for education. But it can also reward shock value, outrage, and misleading health advice. In this clip, Maheetha Bharadwaj, MD explains why viewers should pay close attention to who is giving medical advice online and whether those credentials can actually be verified. A few red flags she discusses: • Extreme or inflammatory claims • “Shock value” hooks designed to keep you scrolling • Acronyms or titles that sound impressive but may not reflect true expertise • Accounts that make credentials difficult to verify As Dr. Bharadwaj explains, not everyone using the title “doctor” online has the same training, specialty background, or clinical experience. That does not mean all social media health content is wrong. But it does mean viewers should slow down, ask questions, and think critically before accepting medical advice from a short video. Featuring: Maheetha Bharadwaj, MD Urologist in Training, PGY-4 If a health claim online sounds extreme, inflammatory, or too good to be true, take a step back and verify the source before acting on it. Educational only. Not medical advice.

Excellent presentation by urologist @LoebStacy, MD at #AUA26 on plant-based dietary patterns and men’s health. Important to see more research exploring associations between nutrition, quality of life, erectile function, cardiovascular health, and prostate cancer survivorship.

Grateful to speak at the AUA Patient Perspectives program during #AUA26 and hear so many powerful stories from fellow patients and advocates. Thank you @AmerUrological and @AstraZenecaUS.

LIMITED ACCESS CAN DELAY MEN’S HEALTH CARE In this clip, urologist Alisa Berger, MD, discusses a reality many men in rural and underserved communities face: access to specialty care is not always easy. Some patients may need to drive 30, 50, or more miles just to see a urologist. And when men feel “fine,” preventive screenings and routine checkups often get pushed aside until symptoms finally appear. That matters because many urologic conditions, including prostate cancer, enlarged prostate (BPH), and other men’s health issues, can develop quietly over time. Preventive care is not always just about awareness. Sometimes it is also about access. At Blue Cure, we believe conversations around men’s health should include the real-world barriers many families face, including geography, transportation, specialist shortages, and delayed access to care. Featuring Alisa Berger, MD Urologist If it has been years since your last checkup, or if access to care has made it difficult to stay on top of your health, consider starting with one step: schedule a conversation with a primary care doctor or ask whether a referral to a urologist makes sense for you. Educational only. Not medical advice.

Cured from cancer? You still need this Testicular cancer has a very high survival rate, around 96% in many cases. That’s a major win. But survival is not the end of the story. According to Jose A. Karam, MD, FACS, Urologic Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, the treatments that save lives, like chemotherapy and radiation, can have long-term effects. These may impact the heart, blood vessels, and metabolic health, and can increase the risk of secondary malignancies, meaning new cancers that can develop later. The takeaway: Being “cured” does not mean you are done with your health. Stay connected to care. Have annual checkups with a primary care doctor. Keep up with recommended screenings, including colon and prostate cancer. Pay attention to your long-term health. Talk with your doctor about a follow-up plan that fits your situation. Educational only. Not medical advice.

Should men over 70 get PSA tests? It depends. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate and measured with a simple blood test. It is commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. According to Jose A. Karam, MD, FACS, Urologic Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, screening decisions for men over 70 should be based on overall health and life expectancy. Current guidance suggests that PSA screening is most beneficial when a man is expected to live at least 10 to 15 more years. For men with significant health issues or a shorter life expectancy, screening may lead to unnecessary testing or treatment without meaningful benefit. The takeaway: This is not one-size-fits-all. Have the conversation. Ask how your overall health impacts screening decisions. Make a plan with your doctor that fits your situation. Talk with a urologist you trust, or start with your primary care doctor. Educational only. Not medical advice. #Urology #ProstateCancer #PSA #EndCancer #MensHealth

Ask for this before a biopsy A high PSA does not always mean cancer. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate. It’s measured with a simple blood test and is commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. But PSA levels can rise for other reasons, too. Activities that put pressure on the prostate, like cycling, sexual activity, or heavy lifting, can temporarily elevate PSA and lead to a false positive. According to Jose A. Karam, MD, FACS, Urologic Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, guidelines recommend confirming an elevated PSA with a repeat test before moving to more invasive steps like an MRI or biopsy. The takeaway: Pause before you panic. If your PSA is elevated, ask your doctor if it makes sense to repeat the test in a few weeks to confirm the result. Be proactive. Ask questions. Know your numbers. Talk with a urologist you trust, or start with your primary care doctor. Educational only. Not medical advice.

THE TESTOSTERONE CONVERSATION HAS CHANGED Low testosterone is not always a simple yes-or-no conversation. In this clip, Alisa Berger, MD, board-certified urologist, explains how medical thinking around testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has evolved over the past 15 years. Earlier studies raised concerns that testosterone replacement might increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. More recent research has suggested that men with very low testosterone levels may also face increased cardiovascular risk. That does NOT mean every man with fatigue, low energy, or brain fog needs testosterone. It means individualized care matters. Dr. Berger also discusses how testosterone clinics and aggressive marketing campaigns expanded rapidly during the 2010s, often promoting treatment based on vague symptoms alone. One important point many younger men may not realize: Testosterone replacement can reduce sperm production and, in some cases, stop it altogether. TRT may be appropriate for some men. But it should be evaluated carefully with a qualified physician who understands hormones, cardiovascular risk, fertility, symptoms, and long-term health. As Dr. Berger explains, this is why many men benefit from seeing a urologist or endocrinologist rather than relying solely on online clinics or marketing claims. If you’ve been wondering about testosterone, don’t self-diagnose based on social media clips or ads. Start the conversation with a physician who can evaluate your individual situation and help determine what may actually be causing your symptoms. Educational only. Not medical advice.

PSA doesn’t always mean cancer An elevated PSA is not an automatic cancer diagnosis. PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein made by the prostate, and it can be elevated for several reasons, not just cancer, but also benign enlargement or even infection. According to Jose A. Karam, MD, FACS, Urologic Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, PSA testing is a simple blood test commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, typically starting around ages 45 to 50 for men at average risk. You may also hear the term “shared decision making.” This means you and your doctor make decisions together, based on your risk, your health history, and what the results could mean. It ensures you are not just reacting to a number, but choosing the right next step for you. The takeaway is simple. Be proactive, not reactive. Make annual checkups a priority. Ask about PSA testing. Know your baseline and track your numbers over time. Have you discussed your PSA with your doctor yet? Talk with a urologist you trust, or start with your primary care doctor. Educational only. Not medical advice.

I found a mass. Could it be cancer? When I was a teenager, I felt a mass in my scrotum and kept it to myself. It ended up being a varicocele. I had surgery, and it resolved. A varicocele is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of veins around the testicle, similar to varicose veins in the legs. In some cases, it can be associated with reduced sperm quality or fertility issues, which is one reason it’s important to have it evaluated. But in the moment, I didn’t know that. And that’s the reality for a lot of men. According to Jose A. Karam, MD, FACS, Urologic Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, not everything you feel is cancer. There are normal structures like the epididymis (a tube behind the testicle that stores and carries sperm), and conditions like varicoceles that are not cancer. At the same time, it’s not always easy to tell the difference on your own. If something doesn’t feel normal: • Don’t ignore it • Don’t assume • Don’t be ashamed Start with a primary care doctor, or see a urologist. A simple physical exam and, if needed, a scrotal ultrasound (non-invasive and quick) can help determine what’s going on. The goal is clarity and peace of mind. Talk with a doctor you trust. Educational only. Not medical advice.

PROSTATE CANCER ISN’T JUST AN OLD MAN’S DISEASE Bob Evans shares: “I was not getting regular PSA tests… I was 48 when I was diagnosed. My younger brother was 42.” That’s the reality more men need to hear. As founder of Blue Cure, I was diagnosed at 35. Over the years, I’ve met many men diagnosed in their early to mid-40s, and a smaller number in their late 30s. Not all had symptoms. Many weren’t getting regular checkups. Researchers have also noted that some younger men may be living with prostate cancer without knowing it, in part because screening often starts later, unless there are known risk factors like family history. Bob shares how his diagnosis started with a simple question from his mom: “Did you get your tests done?” That moment changed everything. Prostate cancer can develop without symptoms in its earlier stages. Waiting until something feels off can mean you’re already behind. This is why consistency matters. Annual checkups matter. Knowing your numbers matters. Starting the conversation matters. If you’ve never discussed PSA testing, bring it up with your physician or a urologist. If you have a family history, don’t wait. Even if you feel fine, stay on top of your health. Bob Evans has been living with advanced prostate cancer since 2009 and is a men’s health advocate and longtime Movember Ambassador, using his voice to help other men take action. Take ownership of your health. You don’t have to do everything at once. But you do have to start. Educational only. Not medical advice.

EARLY DETECTION CHANGES EVERYTHING Bob Evans was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2009. When prostate cancer is caught early, while it is still contained to the prostate, it is often highly treatable. In fact, Bob’s younger brother caught his early. It was contained. Bob’s was not. By the time he was diagnosed, the cancer had already spread beyond the prostate. At that point, the focus shifts from cure to long-term management. Bob has now lived with advanced prostate cancer for more than a decade, managing it with treatment, regular PSA monitoring, and the support of his medical team. His story highlights something many men don’t realize. Prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms in its earlier stages. This is why early detection matters. A PSA blood test can help establish a baseline and give you and your doctor something to monitor over time. Trends over time, not just a single number, can provide important insight. Bob is a prostate cancer patient and men’s health advocate, and has been active with Movember for more than a decade as an Ambassador, helping raise awareness for men around the world. His message is simple. Take ownership of your health. If you’ve never had a conversation about PSA testing, bring it up with your doctor or a urologist. If you have a family history, don’t wait to start that conversation. Even if nothing feels off, know your risk and stay on top of your health. You don’t have to do everything at once. But you do have to start. Educational only. Not medical advice.

Testicular cancer doesn’t just affect young men It’s most common in men in their 20s to 40s, but it can happen much earlier and much later in life. As Jose A. Karam, MD, FACS, Urologic Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains, every man should be paying attention. Testicular cancer is relatively rare, but about 1 in 250 men will develop it at some point. The average age at diagnosis is around 33, yet cases still occur in teens and in men over 55. The takeaway is simple: Know what’s normal for your body. From our previous conversation with Dr. Karam: Do a self-exam once a month. Same day. Same routine. In the shower. You’re not looking for anything complicated—just anything that doesn’t feel normal: • A lump • A mass • A change in size or shape Most early changes are not visible. They’re something you feel. If something feels off, don’t wait. Talk to a doctor. Don’t have a urologist? Start with your primary care physician. Talk with a urologist you trust. Educational only. Not medical advice.

Active Surveillance Is Not Passive. I’ll be speaking at the 2026 American Urological Association Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, with my session on May 16. I’ll be sharing the patient perspective. What it means to live with prostate cancer over time, how Active Surveillance requires ongoing engagement, how decision-making evolves, and the role lifestyle can play alongside clinical care. Over the past 16 years, I’ve seen how these conversations shape not just individual decisions, but also how we communicate with men and families after a diagnosis. If you’ll be at AUA, I’d welcome the chance to connect. Urologists, researchers, advocates, and others working across healthcare. Always open to connecting and finding ways to work together to reach more men with clear, trusted information. #AUA26 @AmerUrological