On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, PHEN held a hybrid Managing Prostate Cancer Survivorship Meeting and Webinar at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute titled Your Mind Matters: Supporting Your Mental Health During Your Prostate Cancer Journey. The meeting was moderated by Dr. Keith Crawford, PHEN’s Director of Clinical Trials and Patient Education, and featured speaker Mr. Joshua Ozer, MSW, LCSW, an Oncology Social Worker at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Approximately 90 people joined the webinar on Zoom.
Additionally, prostate cancer survivors Mr. Ray Fuller and Mr. Llewellyn “Llew” Fambles shared their stories regarding the mental health aspects of their cancer journeys. Dr. Crawford started the session by explaining the topics to be covered, which included overcoming stressors, developing coping strategies for difficult emotions, cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, self-care, and mindfulness.
Mr. Ray Fuller, PHEN Ambassador of Georgia, shared how his faith assisted him in overcoming the fears related to his prostate cancer diagnosis. “If God brought me to this situation, He can take me out of this situation,” said Mr. Fuller. “If the treatments are there for me to survive, then so be it.” During this time, he was also introduced to PHEN, which taught him more about pertinent treatments.
Mr. Fambles explained his prostate cancer journey, saying he was diagnosed with a slow-moving, slow-growing cancer in February 2019. He chose active surveillance. Once the prostate cancer grew, he scheduled robotic surgery to remove his prostate in 2023. He began taking Lupron medication in October 2023 and received radiation therapy in July 2024. He also discussed the emotional support he received from a mental health counselor.
Mr. Ozer discussed the feelings of loss associated with a prostate cancer diagnosis. He outlined that “mental health is social health,” and that losing social aspects after such a diagnosis, including cherished activities, hobbies, or even relationships, can worsen these issues. He also addressed numerous audience questions, including the advice he offers to those reluctant to seek help due to cultural beliefs.
The audience members took a poll at the end of the session, which shows that 88 percent of polltakers now better understand how prostate cancer impacts mental health. In addition, 50 percent of survey takers were satisfied with the presentation, and 47 percent were very satisfied.