The Premier Cares Foundation recently hosted its 17th annual Prostate Cancer Walk at the Walkway Over the Hudson. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports local patients with prostate cancer and provides free screenings and supportive services.

Foundation founder Dr. Evan Goldfischer said progress has been made in the fight against prostate cancer. Early in his career, he recalled, about 45,000 men died from prostate cancer annually. Today, that number has dropped to about 35,000.

“That is due in large part to more aggressive screenings and we have a lot of new drugs for prostate cancer and even for more advanced stages; it is no longer the death sentence it once was,” he said. “A lot of people can live a long time even with metastatic disease and there is a real effort now to develop treatments for advanced diseases.”

Goldfischer said some prostate cancers grow slowly, while other forms are more aggressive.

“That’s why you have to get your PSA and a biopsy done and then you know what you’ve got and can make a decision on what to do,” he said.

The prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, test is a blood test used to help detect prostate cancer. If the PSA level is elevated, additional testing may be recommended and treatment options can be considered.

“There are new and different variations of the PSA test and if it is up and you have cancer, you can get tested to find out if you have an aggressive component,” Goldfischer said.

Goldfischer said the Prostate Cancer Walk was started to address a need in the community.

“The treatments for prostate cancer are very expensive and not everyone can afford them and it takes a toll on them and the finances of the family,” he said. “All the money we raise here stays here and helps patients who have fallen on hard times and need some help.”

Gia McCormack, executive director of the Premier Cares Foundation, has helped plan the walks for the past 11 years.

“This event means a lot to me and the community and we’re glad to be back,” she said. “We’re really proud that the money raised stays locally to help patients who are battling prostate cancer and to help them with transportation to medical appointments or to offset their bills. Over the years we’ve given away $300,000 through our Cares Fund.”

Paul Caccia served in law enforcement for 27 years, but about two years ago, he said, “my life got turned upside down with a diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer that had pretty much spread from my skull to my thighs.”

Caccia said he initially had little hope for his future until he was transferred to the care of Dr. Kevin Carnes.

“He’s a very good, aggressive doctor, and whatever he could throw at me I was willing to take,” Caccia said. “Two and a half years ago I could barely walk but I have made great strides.”

Caccia, now 63, said his condition has improved significantly. His PSA level has dropped from 553 to 1.

“I am willing to put in the hard work and as long as my doctor and my team of doctors, who have been working on me, are willing to fight for me, I will fight to the end,” he said. “For those here who are survivors, we are brothers and sisters and the bottom line is we’re in the fight for our lives. I’m not going to stop fighting and I encourage you to do the same. If something doesn’t feel right, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Carnes, who has been an absolute angel in my life and I have the utmost respect for him.”

According to the Premier Cares Foundation, prostate cancer is the second-most diagnosed cancer among men. It is 50% more common among African American men, and one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

The Premier Cares Foundation has provided more than $180,000 in grants to local patients. The foundation also has donated $252,000 to Vassar Brothers Medical Center to help underinsured patients with serious gastrointestinal and urological disorders.

The foundation stresses that preventive care and early detection are key to achieving the best outcomes for colon and prostate cancers.
More information about prostate cancer and the Premier Cares Foundation’s Cares Fund is available at premiermedicalhv.com. The website includes a one-page application for patients seeking help and support.