The Accidental Advocate: The Case for Active Surveillance
What if a prostate cancer diagnosis doesn’t always mean you need immediate treatment?
Veteran medical journalist Howard Wolinsky joins Reggie Hicks to share how a recommendation for surgery led him to ask more questions, seek another opinion, and ultimately choose active surveillance. That decision changed the course of his life—and turned him into what he calls an “accidental advocate” for patient choice, second opinions, and informed decision-making.
In this third installment of our Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Advocacy Series, Howard explains why men with low-risk prostate cancer should understand all of their options before deciding what comes next.
What happens when a prostate cancer diagnosis turns a journalist into an advocate?
In this third installment of our Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Advocacy Series, Reggie Hicks talks with veteran medical journalist and prostate cancer advocate Howard Wolinsky, who has lived with low-risk prostate cancer on active surveillance since 2010.
Howard shares how an initial recommendation for surgery led him to seek a second opinion—and ultimately choose active surveillance. That experience launched an unexpected advocacy journey that would include writing A Patient’s Journey, co-founding Active Surveillance Patients International, educating thousands of men, and becoming what he calls an “accidental advocate.”
In this conversation, Reggie and Howard discuss:
- Why men with low-risk prostate cancer may have more than one option
• The difference between active surveillance and “doing nothing”
• Why getting a second—and sometimes third—opinion matters
• The fear that comes with hearing the word “cancer”
• Overtreatment and quality-of-life considerations
• The importance of patients having a voice in their care
• Prostate biopsies and changing approaches to monitoring
• Howard’s mission of “Saving Prostates Daily”
• Why advocacy sometimes begins by simply helping one man at a time
Howard’s message is simple: Take a deep breath. Get educated. Ask questions. Understand your options—and make the decision that is right for you.
Learn more about Howard’s work:
The Active Surveillor: Saving Prostates Daily
TheActiveSurveillor.com
Active Surveillance Patients International
ASPatients.org
https://www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyoncology/prostatecancer/63251
https://howardwolinsky.substack.com/
Learn more about If You Are My Brothers, our documentary, podcast, and prostate cancer outreach work: IfYouAreMyBrothers.org
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If You Are My Brothers is dedicated to turning prostate cancer awareness into health action.
Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss your individual diagnosis and treatment options with your healthcare provider.