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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Part 2 – Breaking the Silence and Building Awareness
Published
12 months agoon
Despite prostate cancer being one of the most common cancers in men, many choose to suffer in silence. In Part 1, I shared my brother Rob’s journey with prostate cancer. In our own family, we discovered this silence firsthand. Only after Rob underwent surgery did relatives reveal that our late grandfather had battled prostate cancer years earlier, something no one had ever discussed openly (Fernandez, 2025). This hush-hush approach is all too common. Why don’t people share what they are going through? Shame, stigma, and the desire to appear strong often play a role. In this second part of our Prostate Cancer Awareness Month series, we will explore the reasons behind this silence and how, as friends, family, and a society, we can encourage more open conversations. We will discuss the impact of shame and masculinity on men’s willingness to share, how to ask the right questions to support someone who may be hiding their struggle, and the benefits of awareness campaigns in changing perceptions and saving lives. We will also highlight key resources, including hotlines and hospitals, that provide support and information for individuals facing prostate cancer. It is time to break the silence and replace shame with support.
Why Many Suffer in Silence: Understanding Shame and Stigma
If your loved one is hesitant to tell others about their diagnosis, understand that it is not because they do not need support; often, it is because cancer can feel deeply personal and stigmatizing. This is especially true for prostate cancer in men. Culturally, many men are taught to be stoic and hide their vulnerability, as shown in studies of cancer patients and mental health help-seeking, which discourage emotional expression and delay support (Gomez et al., 2022; Mokhwelepa, 2025). A serious illness challenges that image. Experts note that many men prefer to keep a cancer diagnosis private because they do not like attention for a vulnerability such as a life-threatening illness, and wish to be seen as strong and capable (Michigan Medicine, 2024). In prostate cancer, treatment side effects like urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction are sensitive topics that men often feel embarrassed to discuss (Michigan Medicine, 2024). That silence matches what we experienced in my family.
Feelings of shame or failure can also accompany a cancer diagnosis. A 2024 survey by Maggie’s of 500 men with cancer found that 17% felt embarrassed about their diagnosis, 12% felt guilty, 41% felt anxious, and 23% felt lonely (Maggie’s, 2024). The survey also revealed that 42% had not asked for support beyond medical care; of those, 14% cited embarrassment as a reason, 21% stated they didn’t want to discuss their feelings, and 15% believed support was not for men (Maggie’s, 2024). These statistics reflect real barriers that many men face in opening up about their cancer journey.
For men, traditional notions of masculinity can stop help-seeking. My brother Rob shared in his interview (Fernandez, 2025) that there was pressure to appear strong; admitting vulnerability felt like admitting failure. Also, the prostate’s link to sexual and urinary functions means symptoms like erectile difficulties or frequent urination are hard to talk about, even with close friends. Many fear being pitied or judged; many isolate themselves or keep their diagnosis details private.
Encouraging Openness: Asking the Right Questions and Offering Safe Space
How can we help someone who may be reluctant to share their cancer journey? The first step is to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment. You cannot force someone to open up, but you can gently invite conversation and make clear you are available and supportive. Asking open-ended, empathetic questions shows you care without pressuring them.
Here are some strategies for dialogue:
- Choose the right time and place: Privacy matters. Talk one-on-one, during a walk, in the car, or whenever they feel safe.
- Start with care and concern: A question like, “How are you feeling these days?” or “I’ve been thinking of you, how are things going with your health?” can open doors. Even if they say “I’m fine,” you signal that you are ready to listen.
- Use empathy in your questions: For example, “What has been hardest about this for you?” or “Is there something you wish people asked you, but they don’t?” Let them lead in what they share.
- Normalize talking about illness: You might say, “Lots of men feel shame or fear about this, you are not alone.” Rob said in his interview (Fernandez, 2025) that knowing someone was willing to listen without judgment made it easier for him to share gradually.
- Be ready to simply listen: If they open up, resist offering solutions or platitudes. Just hearing someone say, “I hear you,” or “Thanks for sharing that” can be huge.
Also, respect their pace. Not everyone is ready for deep conversations. Sometimes, just a consistent willingness to be present is enough. Reassure them that seeking emotional support is not a weakness. A survivor quoted by Maggie’s said, “You learn that resilience and strength actually are not some macho idea of being strong. Strength is facing difficult things and talking about them honestly” (Maggie’s, 2024). That idea breaks down stigma.
The Power of Awareness Campaigns: From Stigma to Support
This is where public awareness plays a critical role. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which occurs each September, and Movember-style campaigns exist because talking openly saves lives. When diseases are removed from shame and silence, two things happen: stigma decreases, and early detection increases.
Reducing stigma: Awareness campaigns promote real stories and accurate information. Experts like Daniela Wittmann at Michigan Medicine point out that side effects often feared by men, such as erectile dysfunction or urinary leaks, are manageable and not abnormal (Michigan Medicine, 2024). When public figures share openly, it reassures others that vulnerability does not mean shame or defeat.
Encouraging early detection: Early detection greatly improves outcomes. Michigan Medicine reports that for men diagnosed early, survival rates are very high (Michigan Medicine, 2024). But because early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, men may not seek PSA tests or exams until things are advanced. Awareness efforts help change that; campaign messages, community outreach, clinic screenings, and culturally relevant education can prompt more men to get checked (American Cancer Society, 2023; Michigan Medicine, 2024).
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month matters not just for awareness, but for shaping policy, funding, and social norms. When health systems, communities, and families invest in open conversation and support, people feel safer, understood, and more likely to seek care early.
Resources and Support: You Are Not Alone
- American Cancer Society (ACS): Offers comprehensive information, treatment options, support groups, and a 24-hour helpline.
- YouTube / Joanne Fernandez Podcast: Rob’s interview (Fernandez, 2025) shares honest reflections that help normalize conversations about prostate cancer.
- Michigan Medicine, ZERO Prostate Cancer, Malecare: Organizations that offer education, counseling, peer support, and reliable online resources.
- 211 Helpline: Connects you to local resources for emotional, logistical, or financial support (United Way 211, n.d.).
When offering resources, do so with kindness and empowerment. “Would you like me to send these so you can look over them?” or “I can go with you to the support group if you like” shows solidarity more than simple lists.
Conclusion
Breaking the silence around prostate cancer starts with each of us. When people like my brother share their stories publicly, they help dissolve the inherited shame and hush that have held families back. As a friend or family member, your role is vital. You can encourage openness by asking caring questions, listening without judgment, and affirming that seeking support is a brave act. As a community, we must insist we talk about prostate cancer not as an embarrassment, but as a journey many endure, and one from which many survive.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month may only last 30 days, but the conversation behind it should last year-round. Let us stand together to transform silence into awareness, shame into support, and fear into action.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
About the Author: Dr. Jessica Henlon holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Education. She is an Education Contributor for Florida National News. Dr. Henlon can be reached at Education@FloridaNationalNews.com or book.jessicahenlon@gmail.com.
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AdventHealth Recruiting Nurses, Technologists and Clinical Professionals at 8 Central Florida Locations
Published
5 hours agoon
September 8, 2026The Sept. 9 regional hiring event will connect nurses, imaging and laboratory professionals, respiratory therapists and other clinical workers with hiring managers at eight AdventHealth locations.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth will hold a regional hiring event Wednesday, Sept. 9, at eight locations across Central Florida as the health system looks to expand its clinical workforce to meet growing demand for patient care.
The hiring events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and give nurses, technologists and other clinical professionals an opportunity to meet directly with hiring managers and clinical leaders, participate in on-site interviews and potentially receive same-day job offers for select positions, according to AdventHealth.
The recruitment effort comes as Central Florida’s population growth continues to increase demand for health care services across hospitals, emergency departments and other care sites.
High-Demand Clinical Positions
AdventHealth said career opportunities are available across several high-need clinical areas, including:
- Nursing
- Imaging
- Laboratory
- Respiratory care
- Surgical services
- Other clinical specialties
The regional format allows applicants to explore opportunities at multiple AdventHealth facilities while connecting directly with the people responsible for hiring and clinical operations.
Eight Central Florida Hiring Locations
Hiring events will be held simultaneously at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9:
AdventHealth Altamonte Springs
601 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs
Chatlos Classrooms
AdventHealth Apopka
2100 Ocoee Apopka Road, Apopka
Vyas Conference Rooms
AdventHealth Celebration
400 Celebration Place, Celebration
Mangrove Conference Rooms
AdventHealth East Orlando
7727 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando
Precedo Conference Rooms
AdventHealth Kissimmee
2450 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee
Woodlands Conference Rooms
AdventHealth Orlando, AdventHealth for Women & Children
601 E. Rollins St., Orlando
Alden Conference Room
AdventHealth Winter Park
200 N. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park
First Floor Conference Center
AdventHealth Winter Garden
2000 Fowler Grove Blvd., Winter Garden
First Floor Conference Rooms
Central Florida Growth Driving Recruitment
AdventHealth said the regional recruitment initiative is designed to strengthen clinical teams as the health system expands access to care throughout Central Florida.
Hiring across multiple hospitals and specialties also reflects the range of health care workers needed to support growing communities — from bedside nurses and respiratory professionals to diagnostic imaging, laboratory and surgical-services teams.
For qualified candidates, the possibility of interviewing directly with hiring managers and receiving a same-day offer for select positions could also shorten the traditional hiring process.
How to Register
Health care professionals interested in attending can register through the official AdventHealth Central Florida Hiring Event page.
Event: AdventHealth Central Florida Regional Hiring Event
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Locations: Eight AdventHealth facilities across Central Florida
FNN Community & Business
The regional hiring initiative represents a significant employment opportunity for Central Florida’s health care workforce while highlighting the continued demand for clinical professionals as the region’s population and health care needs expand.
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DOJ, DOT and DHS Launch Nationwide Crackdown on CDL Fraud, Trucking Schools and Unqualified Drivers
Published
14 hours agoon
September 8, 2026Federal agencies say the new Joint Task Force Crossroads of America will target fraudulent CDL training and testing, identity and document fraud, unauthorized employment and suspected criminal activity across the commercial trucking industry.
DETROIT (FNN) — The Justice, Transportation and Homeland Security departments have launched a sweeping federal initiative targeting alleged fraud and public-safety violations in the commercial trucking industry, including questionable driver training, commercial driver’s license testing, identity fraud and suspected criminal activity.
Eight U.S. attorneys joined federal transportation and homeland security officials Aug. 31 to announce Joint Task Force Crossroads of America, a multistate law enforcement partnership initially bringing together U.S. attorney’s offices in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio with federal, state and local agencies.
The initiative brings together DOJ, the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other law enforcement agencies.
Among the most immediate actions, FMCSA announced the emergency removal of more than 110 commercial driver training providers associated with more than 5,000 drivers who failed federal English-language proficiency requirements. The agency is also proposing removal of more than 160 additional training providers and launching a nationwide audit of third-party CDL skills testers.
DHS, meanwhile, announced enforcement activity involving more than 200 driving schools and related businesses across 23 states.
Federal Government Targets CDL Fraud
Federal officials say the initiative is designed to identify fraudulent training and licensing practices while determining whether trucking companies, schools, testing operations or other businesses are circumventing federal requirements.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said DOJ will work with federal, state and local partners to investigate and prosecute alleged fraud affecting highway safety.
“The safety of American roadways affects everyone across the country,” Blanche said in the federal announcement.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said federal transportation regulators need law enforcement support to pursue suspected fraud involving training schools and other participants in the commercial licensing system.
The government’s announcement also included broader claims by administration officials concerning immigration enforcement and highway safety. Those statements represent the administration’s characterization of the problem; the specific enforcement actions announced by FMCSA focus on compliance with federal commercial-driver training, testing and qualification requirements.
110 CDL Training Providers Face Emergency Removal
FMCSA said it examined roadside inspection records involving commercial drivers cited for failing federal English-language proficiency requirements and compared those records with its Training Provider Registry.
That analysis identified training providers that repeatedly certified drivers who subsequently failed the federal requirement, according to the agency.
FMCSA said it will emergency-remove more than 110 Entry-Level Driver Training providers from its registry. The affected providers must cease federally recognized training operations, including classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
The government says those schools are associated with more than 5,000 drivers who failed English-language proficiency tests.
Removal from the federal registry is an administrative action and should not, by itself, be characterized as a criminal conviction or finding of criminal fraud.
40-State Investigation Finds Training Problems
The enforcement campaign extends beyond the 110 providers.
FMCSA said it deployed 175 investigators across 40 states in July to conduct nearly 400 investigations of entry-level driver training providers.
According to the agency, investigators identified problems including instructors who lacked appropriate licenses, inadequate facilities for required driving maneuvers and missing assessment records.
One provider allegedly claimed its classroom operated from a school bus located inside the back of a trailer, according to FMCSA.
The investigations resulted in more than 160 notices of proposed removal from the federal Training Provider Registry.
FMCSA further said drivers certified by those providers have been linked to 239 commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities.
That figure warrants careful distinction: the agency’s release describes the drivers as linked to those fatalities; it does not establish from that statistic alone that training deficiencies caused each crash.
Nationwide Audit of CDL Skills Testers
Federal regulators are also turning their attention to the people and organizations administering commercial driving tests.
FMCSA announced a nationwide audit of third-party CDL skills testers and state oversight of those testers.
The agency said more than 28,000 commercial drivers have been placed out of service for English-language proficiency violations since June 2025. FMCSA argues that the number raises concerns about whether testing and state oversight are consistently enforcing federal requirements.
States found substantially out of compliance with federal CDL requirements can face corrective action and, eventually, financial consequences.
According to FMCSA, unresolved substantial noncompliance can result in withholding of federal highway funds—up to 4% initially and potentially 8% in subsequent years. Serious deficiencies can also lead toward decertification of a state’s CDL program.
DHS Targets More Than 200 Driving Schools
DHS is conducting a parallel criminal-investigation and immigration-enforcement effort.
Homeland Security Investigations said its initiative is examining suspected CDL fraud, unauthorized employment, identity-document fraud, financial crimes, money laundering and labor exploitation, along with potential connections to human smuggling, drug trafficking and cartel activity.
Those categories describe investigative targets and potential violations identified by DHS; they do not mean every school, trucking company or driver contacted by investigators has committed a crime.
According to the federal announcement, HSI planned coordinated activity involving more than 200 driving schools across 23 states and said more than 1,000 business leads had been distributed to investigators.
Field offices had also issued more than 80 notices of inspection and opened multiple investigations, according to DHS.
Investigations Include DMV Employees, Medical Certifications and Trucking Companies
Federal authorities disclosed several categories of ongoing investigations.
HSI said investigators are examining allegations that some state motor vehicle employees accepted payments to help applicants circumvent driver’s license and CDL requirements.
Other investigations involve suspected misuse of B-1/B-2 visa holders for domestic cargo transportation, potentially improper medical certifications, identity fraud and alleged labor exploitation involving visa holders.
DHS also said investigators are examining possible shell companies, financial crimes and transportation businesses potentially connected to broader criminal activity.
Because many of these matters remain investigations, allegations of misconduct have not necessarily resulted in criminal charges or convictions.
Federal Trucking Enforcement Reaches Florida
The federal initiative also includes activity in Florida.
According to the government’s announcement, DHS’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami Field Office coordinated an operation with the Florida Department of Transportation, FMCSA and commercial vehicle enforcement authorities during the week of Aug. 24.
Other coordinated operations were identified in Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin.
DHS also identified several broader enforcement initiatives involving commercial transportation, including Operation ICE Wall, Operation Guardrail and Operation Freightliner.
What It Means for Trucking Companies and CDL Schools
The initiative significantly expands federal scrutiny beyond individual commercial drivers.
Training schools could face removal from FMCSA’s registry, while third-party testers will face a nationwide audit. State licensing agencies could also come under federal review if regulators identify systemic compliance failures.
Trucking companies may face additional scrutiny involving driver qualifications, employment authorization, federal employment records and compliance with commercial vehicle regulations.
At the same time, the government’s actions distinguish between administrative enforcement and criminal prosecution. A provider’s removal from a federal training registry does not automatically establish criminal fraud, while criminal cases require prosecutors to establish violations under applicable law.
Joint Task Force Brings Multiple Agencies Together
Joint Task Force Crossroads of America combines the U.S. attorney’s offices in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio with agencies including FMCSA, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Eight U.S. attorneys participated in the announcement, representing federal districts in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois.
Federal officials say the task force’s goals include reducing highway fatalities and serious injuries, identifying criminal networks, deterring fraudulent trucking practices and improving coordination among federal, state and local authorities.
What’s Next?
FMCSA is expected to proceed with the emergency removal of the identified training providers while continuing proposed-removal proceedings involving more than 160 others.
Federal transportation officials will also conduct the nationwide examination of third-party CDL skills testers and state oversight programs.
DHS and HSI investigations into suspected licensing fraud, unauthorized employment, document fraud and related financial crimes are continuing, while the newly established DOJ task force provides a mechanism for federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to coordinate potential criminal cases.
The next major question will be how many of the regulatory investigations ultimately produce administrative sanctions, license actions or federal criminal charges.
For drivers, trucking companies and CDL schools, the announcement signals that federal enforcement is expanding from roadside driver inspections into the broader system responsible for training, testing, licensing and employing commercial drivers.
Business
Amazon Cargo Jet Overruns Miami Airport Runway by 1,300 Feet, Killing 5 as NTSB Investigates
Published
15 hours agoon
September 8, 2026Federal investigators recovered both flight recorders after the Boeing 767 operated by 21 Air for Amazon struck vehicles and traveled about 1,300 feet beyond the runway at Miami International Airport.
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Federal investigators are working to determine why an Amazon cargo jet overran a runway at Miami International Airport by about 1,300 feet Sunday, struck vehicles inside and outside the airport perimeter and crashed, killing five people and injuring at least five others.
The Boeing 767, operated by 21 Air LLC for Amazon, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it overran the runway at about 2 p.m. Sunday. It was the aircraft’s third flight of the day, according to investigators.
National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy described the crash site Monday as an area of extensive devastation and debris.
Investigators have recovered both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which could provide critical information about the aircraft’s approach, touchdown, speed, braking performance and crew communications.
The NTSB has not determined the probable cause of the crash.
NTSB: Jet Struck Vehicles After Leaving Runway
The five people killed were in two vehicles struck by the aircraft after it left the runway, according to the NTSB.
Investigators said the jet first struck a 2021 white Ford Econoline van owned by Professional Ocean Service Corp., an airline cleaning contractor. Seven people were inside the van.
The aircraft then broke through an airport perimeter fence and struck a Toyota Corolla Cross outside airport property.
The jet continued through another fence near an area where Tesla robotaxis were stationed before coming to rest, according to Homendy.
The crash left a large debris field that investigators are documenting as they reconstruct the aircraft’s path.
Five Killed, At Least Five Injured
The human toll extends beyond the aviation and airport investigation.
According to the NTSB, all five fatalities were among people in the two vehicles struck during the runway overrun. At least five other people were injured.
The circumstances put particular attention on what happened after the aircraft left the paved runway and traveled beyond the airport boundary.
Investigators will examine the entire accident sequence before determining what factors contributed to the fatalities.
Flight Recorders Recovered as NTSB Investigates Cause
The central question remains unanswered: Why couldn’t the aircraft stop before reaching the end of the runway?
Homendy cautioned Monday that investigators would not determine probable cause while working at the scene.
The NTSB is examining whether the aircraft touched down too far along the runway to stop safely and whether the crew should have abandoned the landing and performed a go-around. Investigators are also expected to analyze the aircraft’s speed, braking performance, mechanical condition, weather and runway conditions.
Video of the landing is also expected to play an important role in reconstructing the sequence of events.
The flight data recorder can provide technical information about the aircraft’s speed, altitude, control inputs and systems. The cockpit voice recorder can help investigators establish crew communications and other conditions inside the cockpit during the final phase of the flight.
Investigators will combine that evidence with wreckage examinations, maintenance records, air traffic control information, weather data, surveillance video and witness interviews.
Could the Miami Crash Have Been Prevented?
It is too early to determine.
The NTSB has not concluded that pilot actions, mechanical problems, weather, runway conditions or airport infrastructure caused or contributed to the accident.
One issue under scrutiny is the protection available when an aircraft overruns a runway.
Miami International Airport does not have the type of aircraft arresting system installed at some airports, according to AP reporting. MIA instead has a 1,000-foot runway safety buffer and complies with applicable requirements.
That distinction is important: The absence of an arresting system does not establish that airport infrastructure caused the crash or fatalities.
Investigators will need to determine first why the aircraft overran the runway and then whether different safety measures could have prevented the accident or reduced its severity.
The findings could eventually lead to recommendations involving aircraft operations, runway-overrun protection, airport infrastructure or carrier procedures — but any such conclusions would come after the evidence is analyzed.
Amazon-21 Air Safety Relationship Under Review
Another significant part of the investigation will focus on the relationship between Amazon and 21 Air.
The aircraft was carrying cargo for Amazon but was operated by 21 Air.
Homendy said investigators want to understand the responsibilities of each company, including what safety provisions are contained in contracts, policies and operating arrangements.
That examination could help establish how operational and safety responsibilities were divided between the cargo customer and the airline operating the aircraft.
Amazon has said it is cooperating with the investigation.
Crash Causes Major Disruptions at Miami International Airport
The crash also caused significant disruptions at one of the nation’s busiest aviation gateways.
More than 160 flights were canceled and nearly 325 delayed by late Sunday, according to FlightAware data reported by The Associated Press.
Disruptions continued Monday as aircraft and flight crews remained out of position.
Miami International Airport reported that two of its four runways remained closed and advised passengers to contact their airlines before traveling to the airport.
The closures are especially significant because of MIA’s enormous passenger and cargo operations.
The airport handled approximately 55.3 million passengers and 3.4 million U.S. tons of freight in 2025, according to official MIA statistics. The airport has four runways and recorded nearly 499,000 commercial aircraft movements last year.
That makes prolonged runway restrictions potentially consequential for passenger travel, international commerce and South Florida’s logistics network.
What’s Next?
NTSB investigators are expected to continue documenting the wreckage, examining the aircraft and runway, interviewing witnesses and reviewing operational and maintenance records.
Analysis of the cockpit voice and flight data recorders will be particularly important in determining where the aircraft touched down, how fast it was traveling, how much runway remained and how the aircraft’s braking and other systems performed.
Investigators will also examine weather and runway conditions, flight crew actions, air traffic control communications and the Amazon-21 Air operating relationship.
The NTSB’s investigation process separates the collection of factual evidence from its eventual determination of probable cause. The agency maintains public investigation records and dockets as cases progress.
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