Family Risk & Prostate Cancer

Testing, Talking, and Shared Experiences

June 25, 2026

Curt Cares, Inc. Founder Curtis L. Murray, Jr. was honored to participate as a panelist during the University of Oklahoma Health Stephenson Cancer Center's Family Risk and Prostate Cancer: Testing, Talking, and Shared Experiences virtual town hall.

Hosted by the MORE (Multidisciplinary Health Outcomes Research and Economics) Lab at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, the discussion brought together medical professionals, researchers, survivors, caregivers, and community advocates to examine how family history influences prostate cancer risk and why open conversations within families can save lives.

Throughout the event, panelists explored the role genetics play in prostate cancer, what genetic testing can and cannot reveal, current screening recommendations, and the importance of empowering families with accurate information rather than fear. The conversation emphasized that prostate cancer affects entire families—not just the individual receiving a diagnosis—and that understanding one's family history is one of the most important steps toward early detection.

Representing Curt Cares, Curtis Murray shared his personal journey as a prostate cancer survivor and discussed how his diagnosis became the catalyst for creating Curt Cares, Inc. and launching the Ask Dad™ awareness initiative. Drawing from his own experience, he spoke candidly about the emotional challenges surrounding diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and the importance of breaking the silence that too often surrounds men's health.

Curt highlighted how simple conversations between fathers, sons, brothers, spouses, and close friends can lead to earlier screenings, informed medical decisions, and ultimately save lives. He encouraged participants to move beyond awareness by taking action—knowing their family history, talking openly with loved ones, scheduling PSA screenings when appropriate, and encouraging other men to do the same.

The discussion also recognized the unique disparities facing African American men, who are statistically more likely to develop prostate cancer at younger ages and experience more aggressive forms of the disease. Panelists reinforced the need for culturally relevant education, trusted community partnerships, and increased outreach to populations that have historically experienced healthcare disparities.

Participants were encouraged to ask questions throughout the webinar, creating an engaging dialogue between healthcare professionals, survivors, caregivers, and community members. Topics ranged from genetic counseling and inherited cancer risk to treatment options, survivorship, caregiver support, and strategies for having difficult conversations within families.

For Curt Cares, participation in this event represented another important opportunity to partner with respected healthcare institutions while advancing its mission to increase prostate cancer awareness, promote early detection, and encourage meaningful conversations that can save lives.

The organization remains committed to collaborating with hospitals, researchers, community organizations, employers, faith-based organizations, and public health leaders to expand education and ensure more families have access to accurate information and supportive resources.

Key Takeaways

• Family history plays a significant role in understanding prostate cancer risk.

• Genetic testing is an important tool but should be understood within the context of professional medical guidance.

• Early detection through appropriate screening dramatically improves outcomes.

• Honest family conversations can encourage earlier screening and informed healthcare decisions.

• Survivors' stories continue to reduce stigma and inspire others to take action.

• Partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations are essential to improving awareness and reducing disparities.

This event reflects Curt Cares' ongoing commitment to transforming personal experience into public impact—helping more families start conversations today that could save lives tomorrow.