March 1993: A New Hope for Men Everywhere

Announcement Date: March 1, 1993

When Mike launches the PCF, prostate cancer patients and their families face a bleak outlook. More than 200,000 American men will be diagnosed in 1993, and 44,000 will lose their battle that year. Forecasters project the number will rise significantly as the baby boomers age.

Two decades later the actual death rate would be down by more than 50% – and more than 80% below early projections.

PCF changes the way disease research is conducted and becomes a model for many subsequent organizations that adopt its practices.

Its founding principles are as relevant today as they were in 1993:

  • Identify the most promising research not being funded by the NCI;
  • Recruit the best scientists and physicians to energize the field;
  • Require only five–page applications, make decisions in 60 days and provide funding within 90 days;
  • Require awardees to share the results of their work with other institutions;
  • Get for-profit companies involved in collaboration with academic institutions and government agencies;
  • Build public awareness through advocacy programs;
  • Help create centers of excellence at leading medical centers and link them electronically;
  • Act with a sense of urgency.