On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET COA’s Director of Patient Advocacy and Education, Rose Gerber, MS, talked with Trevor Maxwell, founder and CEO of Man Up to Cancer, about the importance of reaching men who are undergoing treatment for cancer and offering them the mental and emotional support they need during their journey.

In 2018, Trevor Maxwell was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the age of 42. The diagnosis quickly took a toll on his mental health, causing him to go into a depression before seeking out support groups. As he met with other patients, he quickly realized that men were underrepresented at these groups because they were trying to go it alone like he had. In response, Trevor created Man Up to Cancer to bring men out of their isolation and provide a space where they felt supported. As of 2024, Man Up to Cancer has become an international organization, reaching men across the globe to let them know they are not alone during their cancer journey.

During the March Advocacy Chat, Rose and Trevor discussed the history of Man Up to Cancer, how it is addressing male loneliness, how CPAN advocates can use Man Up’s lessons to reach the men in their lives, and what can be done to support men who have been newly diagnosed with cancer. Reaching out to patients with cancer and supporting their mental health can improve treatment outcomes, improve the quality of life during treatment, and preserve relationships with friends and family.

This event was part of our virtual CPAN Advocacy Chats series - short, monthly educational webinars on key cancer issues and the policies that impact them. Each month features a new topic and special guests joining us. Patients, survivors, caregivers, and other cancer care advocates are all invited to join us for these free, interactive, virtual events!