A new program offering confidential conversations with those on the prostate cancer journey has begun in the state of Maine. The Maine American Cancer Society turned over its Man to Man program to Nelson Leavitt, the founding president of the Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer. Leavitt had for years provided the leadership for the Maine ACS program and remembers too many men telling him, “I felt totally alone. I thought I was the only man who ever got prostate cancer.”

Leavitt indicated there has been an increasing need for this service, which is now called One -2 -One Confidential and is staffed by many volunteers, all prostate cancer survivors, who understand that no man need feel alone.

“Whether a man is just beginning the journey, is dealing with treatment options, or is handling a recurrence,” says Leavitt, “they will find many support groups throughout the state.” “But,” he says, “some men are just not comfortable being in a group situation and want to talk privately with someone. Well, that is what One- 2- One Confidential is all about.”

Women may prefer to talk with partners of prostate cancer survivors or gay or bisexual men may wish to talk with someone who understands their particular PC issues and volunteers are available to speak to these women and men.

The number to call is 623-5375 or 441-5374 or go to www.mcfpc.org and click on One-2-One Confidential or email at [email protected]. A listing of Maine support groups is also available on that site.