Prostate Support Advocates was co-founded by Michael Lamont, along with his mother Virginia Farley, a breast cancer survivor. On May 10, 2007, Michael received a phone call from his Urologist that a previous biopsy tested positive for cancer. On August 20, 2007, Michael had a Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy to remove the prostate and surrounding tissue.

During the time of diagnosis and the surgery, Michael searched the internet and went to support groups in order to get information and talk with men who were either living with prostate cancer or have had one of the various treatments. Although the internet is a great place to find information, it can be very overwhelming. All of the major hospitals and cancer centers have information about prostate cancer and the treatments available. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute also provide a lot of helpful information on types of treatments available, along with side-effects of each treatment. One needs to be very careful not to visit sites that are not deemed as medically accurate. Many of these sits are selling products that may or may not reduce the size of the tumor, but there is generally no scientific evidence backing their claims.

After much research, reading and attending lectures on prostate cancer, I realized that there is no need for anyone to die of prostate cancer. Although prostate cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in men, it is highly treatable and often considered curable if diagnosed early. Early diagnosis is literally the key between life and death.

Starting at the age of 40, men need to start having an annual Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test to establish a baseline. Every year, it is important to get the PSA test in order to monitor the level and check for any abnormal increase.

The goal of Prostate Support Advocates is to educate the public on the importance of having an annual prostate cancer screening by having an annual PSA test. If and when a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, we are there to help both the patient and his family cope with the diagnosis by offering support groups, counseling, treatment information and nutritional information. This is literally the difference between life and death. When detected in its early stages, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers.