People with neurogenic bladder and other urologic conditions can use many catheters daily. Not using catheters can put patients at risk of UTIs and other, more serious health problems. However, using these supplies can be a financial drain when Medicare or other insurance does not pay for these products. United Spinal Association is building a “Urology Coalition” to help people in need of urologic medical supplies get access to them.
Learn more at UnitedSpinal.org.
The “Family Act” is a bill that would give a tax credit to help offset costs families pay for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or fertility preservation to build their families. (Matthew, in our article on testicular cancer, banked his sperm before chemo for fertility preservation – see page 4.) The tax credit available to families adopting a child is the model for this bill. It could help thousands of people afford these treatments since they are often not covered by insurance. RESOLVE: The National Fertility Association is holding an Advocacy Day on May 7, 2014, to show support for this bill. Visit resolve.org to get involved.
May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) is hosting events throughout the month. Their goal is to raise awareness for bladder cancer, empower patients and increase early detection to save lives. Visit bcan.org to find events near you.
In February, our Know Your Stats About Prostate Cancer® spokesman, Pro Football Hall of Fame member Mike Haynes, joined in Super Bowl media buzz to promote prostate cancer awareness. In partnership with the NFL, Know Your Stats is a program designed to help men know their risk for prostate cancer and talk to a doctor about whether testing is right for them.
In the week leading up to the Super Bowl, nearly 20 million people tuned in to listen and watch Team Haynes talk about the importance of “knowing your risk” and “talking to your doctor” on television programs, including “Comcast SportsNet,” FOX News’ “Arise TV,” and the “Sports Channel.”
Mike Haynes also encouraged listeners of more than 40 radio programs, including shows broadcast on CBS Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Yahoo! Sports Radio and Fox Sports Radio, to know their risk for prostate cancer. He even did an interview at the M&M’s World store in New York City’s Time Square—encouraging football fans to learn more and sign the pledge to fight prostate cancer at KnowYourStats.org.