September 27, 2016 SOMERSET, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In March 2012 ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset, N.J. opened its doors as the 10th proton therapy treatment center in the United States, welcoming patients with various types of cancer that could benefit from this innovative and advanced form of radiation treatment. Among ProCure’s first group of patients were three men battling prostate cancer, who met at the Center and formed a bond that would grow beyond their time at the Center.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, and about 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed at some point in his lifetime. When Eric Anderson, Matt Iacobazzo and Bob Jones arrived at ProCure to treat their prostate cancer, they knew that they were taking the right step towards a healthy future, and ProCure’s best-in-class technology and nurturing clinical staff impressed them. Still, with cancer they were facing totally foreign territory, and were apprehensive and nervous about their condition as they began treatment. They were soon pleased to find a welcoming community of men also being treated for prostate cancer.

Eric, Matt and Bob were 3 of 12 men who formed a group that came to be known as the “Brotherhood of the Blue Bottle” or “BBB” for short, giving a nod to the water they were required to drink before each proton therapy session to stabilize the prostate, out of a blue bottle provided by the Center. The group quickly formed a close bond, each member comforted by the knowledge that they were among peers enduring the same health challenge.
“Forming connections with other men going through prostate cancer treatment proved to be hugely important to my experience with cancer,” reflects Bob. “There was a commonality among us — we were all there for the same reason. That sense of a shared experience made something as scary and intimidating as cancer much more manageable.”

Eric echoes Bob’s sentiment, noting that his time at ProCure far exceeded his expectations for cancer treatment. He speaks fondly of his conversations with other men as they waited for their treatments in the ProCure lobby. Eric compares the BBB to joining the military: you’re bonding with people who are fighting in the same battle as you.

Matt also speaks positively about the information exchange that took place among the BBB members in the lobby and over lunches outside the Center. He states, “Men can be a bit more closed off when it comes to talking about our medical issues. It’s important for us to create a space where we can speak openly about things like prostate health, so that we can get the help we need.”

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