Bruce Arians Advocates for Prostate Cancer Awareness Through NFL’s ‘Crucial Catch’

This week, the National Football League (NFL) continues its ‘Crucial Catch’ initiative, a yearly collaboration with the American Cancer Society. The effort emphasizes early cancer detection, risk reduction, and encouraging screening awareness.

Bruce Arians, a former Super Bowl-winning head coach, chose this occasion to share his own experience with prostate cancer. He underscores the simplicity and importance of getting screened in today’s medical environment.

Arians’ Personal Journey

Bruce Arians partnered with Novartis for their ‘Relax, It’s a Blood Test’ campaign to promote prostate cancer screening and early detection’s significance. In 2007, early detection identified his prostate cancer diagnosis and allowed for its successful removal.

“One in eight men in the United States is going to have prostate cancer, and early detection is the key. It’s a simple finger-free blood test,” Arians emphasized in a recent interview.

Hearing his cancer diagnosis was devastating for Arians. Without a proactive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, the outcome could have been more severe.

The Role of Early Screening

Arians recounts his experience: “I thought I was just like every other man going to the bathroom too much at night.” He advises men to get their PSA level checked yearly as part of understanding their health risks.

Upon diagnosis, Arians’ doctors recommended a biopsy as a precaution. The early detection allowed for successful removal of the cancer. He emphasizes the skill of doctors in nerve preservation, which eased his concerns about life after surgery.

Promoting Awareness

In his role with Novartis, Arians uses lighthearted football terms to engage the audience. He encourages athletes to ‘relax their tight ends,’ stressing that a PSA test can replace traditional rectal exams for initial screening. The campaign also features legendary players Rob Gronkowski and Tony Gonzalez.

With early detection, prostate cancer’s five-year relative survival rate is over 99%. Arians highlights the importance of annual screenings for men.

“Start your scorecard. Get your PSA level checked every year and maintain communication with your doctor,” advises Arians. “This simple action can save your life.”

Scott Thompson reports on sports for Fox News Digital.