By The Survivors Club Staff
February 15, 2010

Due to family health history, Thomas P. Sellers had undergone regular PSA screenings that helped to catch his developing prostate cancer in late 1990s. As the tumor was moderately aggressive, Sellers had time to research his options before deciding on a course of treatment that helped him return to health.

According to the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) website, Sellers felt lucky to be working for the American Cancer Society at the time, having an employer that understood his situation and insurance that provided access to the best treatment. However, since not everyone has the same opportunity, Sellers decided to become a patient advocate and make a difference.

He became a founding member of the Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Coalition, and is the current president & CEO of NCCS. In the latter capacity, Sellers has recently guided the organization to become a member of the Commission on Cancer, a group dedicated to reducing the morbidity and mortality of cancer through education, standards setting and the monitoring of quality of care.

"[This] aligns well with our mission to ensure that all Americans have access to high quality cancer care that is comprehensive, coordinated and patient-centered," said Sellers.

"We look forward to advancing this important work together," he added.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men as some 192,280 new cases were diagnosed in 2009. However, experts say physical exercise and a low-cholesterol diet can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

In addition, regular PSA testing is highly recommended for those at an elevated risk, which includes African Americans and those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Survivors may consult the website of the Prostate Cancer Foundation to access valuable information and networking resources as well as donate money for research.