Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer

Reprinted from the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing October 2010 Newsletter.

Jim Ervin’s face lights up while recounting a recent interaction with a gentleman who sought direction in getting tested for prostate cancer. A doctor’s appointment was set up within minutes.

"We helped somebody instantly, right there on the spot," said Jim, who, with his wife, Mona, have made it theirlife’s work to assist and educate through the Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer (MCFPC). The Coalition was founded in 2005 by a group of five men, all prostate cancer survivors.

Their mission is simple and direct. "The MCFPC is dedicated to ending the devastating impact of prostate cancer on men, their loved ones and the State of Maine."

Jim, one of the Coalition’s founders, serves as the director. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December, 2000 and underwent radiation and seed treatment at Central Maine Medical Center. Mona is the MCFPC chairperson and secretary of the 36-state National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions (www.naspcc.org.)

As with treating most cancers, early detection is key. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 men and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States claiming over 27,000 lives annually. Those diagnosed in local or regional stage approach a 100% chance of survival after five years. The biggest obstacle is convincing men to get screened. The MCFPC recommends that annual screenings begin at age 40.

"Men don’t want to talk about their health," said Jim. "They’re not used to asking for help and it’s very hard to be open about their health."

Although the internet is a great resource, The Ervin’s stress it is laden with unreliable information and suggest starting with the MCFPC website (www.mcfpc.org) where information on prostate cancer, screenings, support for women and gay and bisexual men is readily available. There are also support group listings with locations ranging from York to Caribou. The Patrick Dempsey Center is proud to host the local "Prostate Cancer Awareness & Support Group", which meets the last Wednesday evening of each month in Conference Room H at CMMC.

The site’s calendar displays upcoming screenings, conferences, speakers, support groups and the television program: "What Men and Women Need to Know about Prostate Cancer Part 2" currently airing on Time Warner public access channels.

For more information, please contact the Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer by phone: (207) 623-5375 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it