This week, the NFL continues its “Crucial Catch” initiative, an annual partnership with the American Cancer Society focused on fighting cancer through early detection, risk reduction and screening awareness.
For former Super Bowl-winning head coach Bruce Arians, it’s the perfect time to share his prostate cancer survival story, and more importantly, stress how simple it is to get screened today.
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Arians partnered with Novartis for it’s “Relax, It’s a Blood Test” campaign to raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and the importance of early detection. It was a no-brainer because, in 2007, early detection helped his doctors find the prostate cancer he was diagnosed with and remove it.
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Head coach Bruce Arians of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 16, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (Getty Images)
“Being Crucial Catch just being kicked off this week in the NFL, it’s a great partnership. Getting the message out to all men about early detection. One in eight men in the United States are going to have prostate cancer, and early detection is the key. It’s a simple finger-free blood test,” Arians told OutKick in a recent interview.
Arians admitted the moment he heard his diagnosis, it was “devastating.” But if it wasn’t for his PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, blood test, perhaps things could’ve been much worse.
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“I thought I was just like every other man going to the bathroom too much at night. I had started my scorecard at 40, and when I say start a scorecard, get your PSA level checked every year by your doctor. Know your risk and get screened,” Arians said.
“For me, I went in, got the diagnosis. Doctor said, ‘You know, let’s just do a biopsy just in case.’ Fortunately, we found the prostate cancer and had it removed. I was 51 and had all those anxieties that all men have for what’s to come. But the doctors, they have such a great way of saving the nerves and everything else. And you want that cancer out of your body. For me, it was very easy. Just went to work the next 10 days with a catheter and got ready for the draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers executive Bruce Arians stands before an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 25, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. The Buccaneers defeated the Cardinals 19-16 in overtime. (Getty Images)
“I was very, very fortunate to have a fantastic doctor, and the personal part of it is why I’m so involved with Novartis and the campaign.”
It’s a serious initiative by Novartis, but Arians did have a bit of fun with some play-on football worlds. In the campaign, he urges athletes to “relax their tight ends,” emphasizing how prostate cancer screenings can begin with the PSA test rather than a rectal exam. Legendary tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Tony Gonzalez were involved with the campaign as well.
The truth is, if detected early, the five-year relative survival rate of prostate cancer is over 99%, making screenings super important for men.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Senior Assistant to the General Manager Bruce Arians sits along the sideline before the regular-season game between the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 25, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (Icon Sportswire)
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“I think it’s so easy to try and make sure that this does not happen to you. A simple thing: start your scorecard. Get your PSA level checked every single year and stay in tune with your doctor. If you’re not one of those guys that goes to the doctor very often, this is the one you need to go to. It will save your life.”
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