On Call for Men's Health

Dr. Michael Lutz
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Sexuality
  • Updated Biweekly

Men don’t like to talk about their health. So, we are. Host Michael Lutz, M.D., is a retired urologist and president and founder of the Michigan Men’s Health Foundation. Featuring special guest experts on issues related to men’s health and personal stories of survival, the On Call for Men’s Health podcast improves the health, through conversation, of listeners and the men they love.

  1. 6d ago

    The Mental Health Side of Prostate Cancer with Dr. John Oliffe

    Dr. Michael Lutz welcomes Dr. John Oliffe, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Men’s Health Promotion at the University of British Columbia, for a conversation about men’s health, mental health, prostate cancer, and the fear that often surrounds screening. Dr. Oliffe explains that his interest in men’s health came from years working in emergency care, where he saw men deny serious symptoms even when they were clearly in distress. His grandfather’s death from prostate cancer also shaped his work. That personal and clinical experience led him to study how masculinity affects health behavior, illness management, and quality of life for men and their families. A key theme is that men do not all respond to health concerns the same way. Some ignore symptoms or self-monitor. Others act when pain or function becomes a problem. Prostate cancer is complicated because men often have no symptoms, which can make screening feel less urgent. Dr. Oliffe says support groups can help because they level the playing field. They give men, partners, and families a place to talk honestly about diagnosis, treatment decisions, side effects, recurrence, and fear. The conversation also focuses heavily on mental health. Dr. Oliffe says depression in men may not always look like sadness. It can show up as irritability, anger, substance use, work obsession, risk taking, or over-involvement in sports. He points to substance use, relationship breakdown, and depression as major predictors of suicide risk. That means clinicians need to ask better questions, including questions about relationships and stress. Dr. Oliffe argues that messaging to men should be strength-based. Instead of repeating that men do not go to the doctor, health campaigns should explain the benefit of early action. He points to small, realistic changes as a useful approach. Men may respond better when health seeking is framed as staying strong for work, family, relationships, and themselves. The prostate cancer portion centers on uncertainty. PSA screening can create anxiety, especially when messages about screening are inconsistent. Dr. Oliffe says primary care providers play a critical role in helping men understand the benefits and limits of PSA testing. Newer blood tests, MRI, and less invasive tools may reduce unnecessary biopsies and help men feel more comfortable entering the screening process. The episode closes with a strong point: prostate cancer care should include mental health from the beginning. Men on active surveillance or going through treatment often carry the weight of diagnosis for years. Dr. Oliffe says care should account for partners, families, and the emotional toll of the disease, not just the medical pathway. (00:00) Intro(02:39) Running and self-managing mental health(05:14) How men process fear and vulnerability(07:21) Family and support after a prostate cancer diagnosis(10:38) What health care misses about men’s distress(13:03) Reframing mental health support as strength(15:35) Life transitions as openings for better health(18:04) Messaging that reaches men(22:02) Mental health support in prostate cancer care(27:00) Peer support and the ALEC model(29:11) Fear before diagnosis and PSA screening(31:24) Better messaging around PSA testing(33:51) Newer tests and reducing anxiety(37:35) Fear of knowing and early action(41:14) Rethinking prostate cancer care The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

  2. 6d ago

    Why an Elevated PSA Is Not a Cancer Diagnosis with Dr. Jason Hafron

    On this episode of On Call for Men’s Health, Dr. Michael Lutz talks with Dr. Jason Hafron about how prostate cancer screening has changed, and why PSA should be treated as a starting point, not a diagnosis. Dr. Hafron explains that early in his career, an elevated PSA usually led directly to biopsy. Today, the process is more thoughtful. A PSA result needs context, repeat testing, risk assessment, family history, and sometimes newer tools like biomarkers or MRI. Dr. Hafron says the goal is not just to find prostate cancer. It is to find the prostate cancers that matter. Some men need treatment. Others can be safely monitored. That is why shared decision-making is so important. Patients need a clear plan. They also need to understand what each step means, what it does not mean, and what information would change the next decision. A major theme is fear. Some men are anxious and want every test available. Others avoid screening because they fear biopsy, treatment side effects, or simply hearing the word cancer. Dr. Hafron says the best approach is to slow the process down and take it one step at a time. Screening starts with a blood test. An elevated PSA does not mean cancer. It means more evaluation may be needed. The conversation also covers the growing role of blood-based biomarkers like IsoPSA. These tests can help identify men who are more likely to have clinically significant prostate cancer. They may also reduce unnecessary biopsies and help communities where high-quality prostate MRI is harder to access. Dr. Hafron is careful about the term “liquid biopsy,” because these tests do not diagnose cancer or replace tissue biopsy. They help decide who may need one. Dr. Lutz and Dr. Hafron also talk about community screening, primary care, and the need to meet men where they are. That may mean workplaces, churches, barbershops, sporting events, or mobile health programs. Prostate cancer screening can also open the door to broader men’s health care, including blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk. Looking ahead, Dr. Hafron is encouraged by artificial intelligence, PSMA PET imaging, better biomarkers, advanced therapies, and research that brings clinical trials closer to patients. He believes the future depends on collaboration, better communication, and systems that help physicians provide consistent, high-quality care. (00:00) Intro(02:01) Why Dr. Jason Hafron Focused on Prostate Cancer(03:23) How the PSA Conversation Has Changed(06:34) Shared Decision-Making in Prostate Cancer Care(08:31) The Role of Family in Treatment Decisions(10:17) Managing Anxious and Avoidant Patients(13:35) New Tools Between Elevated PSA and Biopsy(15:51) Fear, Blood Tests, and the Limits of “Liquid Biopsy”(17:45) Rethinking the Digital Rectal Exam(19:28) Clinical Pathways and Quality of Care(20:28) Helping Patients Navigate Online Information(21:46) Blood-Based Tests and MRI Access(23:43) Community-Based Screening and Men’s Health(25:29) Primary Care’s Role in Early Detection(27:32) What Urologists Need Before Referral(33:47) AI, PSMA PET, and the Future of Detection(38:32) What Gives Hope for Prostate Cancer Care(41:42) New Therapies Beyond Hormone Treatment(45:56) Balancing Work, Family, and Wellness(47:22) Legacy, Systems, and Better Urology The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

  3. 6d ago

    Rethinking Prostate Cancer Screening with Dr. Craig Rogers

    Dr. Michael Lutz welcomes Dr. Craig Rogers to On Call for Men’s Health for a conversation about prostate cancer detection, access, and how the field has changed. Dr. Rogers is chair of the Department of Urology at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Health, and his work is personal. Family experiences with kidney cancer and prostate cancer helped lead him toward urologic oncology, even before he fully understood what urologists did. The conversation starts with service and community. Dr. Rogers talks about his time in Japan, first as a student and later as a missionary, and how that shaped his ability to listen, serve, and stay with difficult work. He connects that same mindset to men’s health outreach in Detroit. Screening events in churches, mobile health efforts, and programs like Stand Up for Men’s Health help bring care to men who may not otherwise seek it out. A major theme is that PSA screening is not the problem by itself. A PSA test is information. The real issue is how physicians use that information. Years ago, an elevated PSA often led straight to a random biopsy. Today, doctors have better tools, including PSA velocity, PSA density, age specific PSA, blood and urine biomarkers, MRI, micro ultrasound, targeted biopsy, and transperineal biopsy. These tools can help reduce unnecessary biopsies while improving the chance of finding clinically significant cancer. Dr. Rogers also explains how prostate cancer care has become more individualized. Some cancers can be watched through active surveillance, but that approach can create anxiety for patients. He says peace of mind is also part of quality of life. Some men are comfortable monitoring the disease. Others may need more support or a different path. The episode also covers the need to shorten the timeline from abnormal PSA to answers. Dr. Rogers compares the current prostate cancer pathway to breast cancer care, where abnormal imaging often leads to a quicker diagnosis. He believes prostate care can improve through better logistics, better testing, and more consistent standards. The second half of the conversation turns personal. Dr. Rogers shares his own health wake up call after collapsing during a 5K, which led him back to fitness, biking, and marathon running. He also talks about mentorship, faith, innovation, family, music, and legacy. His goal is to be remembered as a physician who was open minded, innovative, committed to patients, and invested in the next generation. (00:00) Intro(02:00) A personal connection to kidney and prostate cancer(03:54) Patient gratitude and the gift of time(05:01) How Japan and missionary work shaped his career(09:26) Democratizing PSA screening and access(11:49) The controversy around population based screening(14:26) How biopsy decisions have changed(16:11) Micro ultrasound and prostate MRI(21:09) Using better tools in the PSA grey area(23:40) Helping men after a prostate cancer diagnosis(25:43) Active surveillance and peace of mind(30:45) Standardizing prostate cancer care(34:24) Dr. Rogers’ personal health wake up call(37:43) Qualifying for the Boston Marathon(40:54) Mentoring residents through fishing(41:54) Innovation, discovery, and Dr. Patrick Walsh(45:42) Paying mentorship forward(47:07) Faith, medicine, and service(49:55) Legacy, ownership, and patient care  The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

  4. Mar 31

    Find, Fight, and Follow: Changing the Future of Prostate Cancer

    In this episode of On Call for Men’s Health, we focus on prostate cancer, survivorship, and advocacy through a powerful conversation between Dr. Michael Lutz and Andre Melvin, PhD. Andre Melvin is an employee of Lantheus, a pharmaceutical company. However, this podcast is not promotional in nature. The opinions expressed are his own and are provided for general informational purposes only.  We begin by sharing Andre's background, growing up in a disciplined military household in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where values like respect, education, faith, and hard work shaped his worldview. Those early lessons inform the way we now approach men’s health, advocacy, and service.   We discuss Andre’s academic and professional journey, including his PhD in health services policy and management and his early work examining health disparities and outcomes based on access and insurance coverage. That foundation leads naturally into advocacy, which becomes deeply personal when Andre shares the story of his father’s death from advanced prostate cancer. His father was diagnosed at stage four with a high Gleason score, having never fully understood PSA testing or PSA velocity. That experience crystallizes why we believe education and early detection can save lives.   Throughout the conversation, we emphasize that prostate cancer awareness starts with open dialogue. We explore how men often avoid conversations about screening, PSA testing, and digital rectal exams, especially in African American and Hispanic communities. We stress that outdated fears and misinformation continue to keep men from care, even though modern diagnostic tools now offer less invasive and more accurate options. We agree that missed opportunities for education remain one of the biggest barriers to early detection.   We spend significant time discussing the role of women as key drivers of men’s health. We note that wives, daughters, sisters, and partners often motivate men to get screened and seek care. From churches and barbershops to community events and beauty salons, we believe engaging women is one of the most effective strategies for improving prostate cancer awareness and outcomes.  We conclude by reflecting on advocacy, legacy, and service. We agree that saving even one life matters, and that advocacy is fueled by personal connections, gratitude from patients, and a commitment to serve others. Ultimately, we share a belief that prostate cancer advocacy is about education, compassion, and meeting men where they are—so fewer families have to face preventable loss.   The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

  5. 10/01/2025

    The Fighter Pilot Who Got Prostate Cancer at 42

    In this episode, we sit down with Commander Craig Reiner, a retired Navy fighter pilot and prostate cancer survivor, to explore the intersection between military service and men's health. We open with Craig's journey through the Naval Academy and his decorated career as a combat pilot, including the high-risk, high-adrenaline experiences of landing an F/A-18 on an aircraft carrier at night. But it’s another risk—one far less visible—that ultimately changed his life: a prostate cancer diagnosis at age 42. We talk through how routine military screening, starting at age 40, likely saved Craig’s life. Even with no family history and no symptoms, his PSA levels were still closely monitored. When his PSA unexpectedly tripled, his flight surgeon referred him to a urologist. Despite being well below standard thresholds, Craig pushed for a biopsy. It came back positive, and he immediately opted for a full prostatectomy. His cancer was caught early, fully contained, and successfully removed. He’s now been disease-free since 2011. Craig reflects on the challenge of facing cancer at a young age, especially as a single father of two, including a son with special needs. He shares how the discipline and mental toughness from his military career helped him power through the diagnosis and treatment. He expresses zero regret about undergoing surgery, emphasizing the peace of mind it gave him. We also discuss broader issues—like how military aviators may be at increased risk for certain cancers. Craig believes exposure to radar, UV radiation, and extreme physical stressors likely played a role. He references emerging studies linking fighter pilots to higher rates of not just prostate cancer, but also brain injuries and melanoma. We agree that current prostate cancer screening guidelines fail to recognize these unique risk factors, often excluding high-risk men due to age or occupational exposure. Throughout, Craig shares how he has made men’s health advocacy a part of his everyday life. He regularly engages friends, fellow veterans, and even strangers in conversations about PSA testing and prostate cancer. He pushes back against the male reluctance to seek help—what we call the “cockpit mentality”—and urges men to take control of their health the way they take care of their cars. We close by discussing Craig’s current lifestyle: staying active, flying recreational planes, and still chasing the thrill—safely. His story is one of discipline, awareness, survivorship, and purpose. And his message is clear: early detection saves lives, and the guidelines need to catch up. Michigan Men’s Health Foundation — https://www.michiganmenshealthfoundation.org National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) — https://www.nccn.org U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) — https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

  6. 09/12/2025

    IsoPSA: The Test That Could Save Millions from Unnecessary Biopsies

    In this episode, we explore how we’re reshaping the way we approach prostate cancer screening. We begin with Dr. Arnon Chait’s fascinating personal journey—from working as a physicist and rocket scientist at NASA to co-founding Cleveland Diagnostics. His transition from space science to biotechnology is rooted in a deeper mission: making medical diagnostics more effective, accessible, and less invasive. Dr. Chait explains how he and his co-founder Boris Zaslavsky created Cleveland Diagnostics through a unique scientific and clinical collaboration. Their work led to the development of IsoPSA, a next-generation liquid biopsy test that significantly improves the accuracy of prostate cancer screening compared to the traditional PSA test. While PSA testing has been vital since the 1980s, it lacks specificity, often leading to unnecessary and painful biopsies. IsoPSA changes that by identifying whether the PSA comes from normal or cancerous cells, giving physicians better guidance for decision-making. We reflect on the flaws in current screening guidelines, particularly the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force’s recommendations that limit PSA screening based on age, rather than overall health or family history. Both of us agree that this age cap contributes to preventable cases of advanced prostate cancer. The ability to stratify risk early—and cost-effectively—is essential for improving outcomes and reducing the financial and emotional burdens of over-treatment. A major focus of our conversation is democratizing access to early detection. We discuss integrating IsoPSA into mobile men’s health clinics, allowing men in underserved areas to receive accurate results in real time from a single blood draw. IsoPSA’s affordability and compatibility with existing lab equipment make it ideal for broad implementation. We also touch on the importance of public engagement and awareness campaigns like Cleveland Diagnostics' “PSA on PSA,” which aims to spread knowledge and encourage early testing. Yet, we recognize that stigma around men’s health persists. We call for more public figures and survivors to share their stories, helping to normalize conversations about prostate and testicular cancer. We conclude with reflections on legacy, innovation, and the evolving role of AI in diagnostics. While AI has promise, we emphasize the importance of keeping diagnostics simple, interpretable, and actionable for real-world clinical settings. The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

  7. 04/11/2025

    From Cass Tech to Fox 2: A Detroit Story of Health and Legacy

    In this episode of the On Call for Men’s Health Podcast, we sit down with Alex Kimbrough, a longtime Emmy Award-winning director at Fox 2 Detroit, to explore his deeply personal and professional journey. While known for his behind-the-scenes presence in news broadcasting, Alex opens up about his upbringing, the influence of Cass Technical High School, his health battles, and his path to transformation. We begin by understanding Alex’s role in news production, where he walks us through the intensity of live directing, managing chaos in real time, and what it takes to make a newscast flow seamlessly. Alex’s pride in his alma mater, Cass Tech, is palpable. He shares how it was a formative institution that shaped his sense of identity and excellence, and how its alumni have quietly but powerfully impacted the world. We then shift to more emotional terrain as Alex recalls his friendship with former Fox 2 General Manager Jeff Murray, whose tragic suicide in 2011 left a permanent mark. Alex also opens up about being the director behind monumental events like the funerals of Coleman Young, Rosa Parks, and Aretha Franklin, moments that defined Detroit history and his own career. Health becomes a central theme as Alex reflects on his own struggles, including obesity, hypertension, kidney disease, and seizures. His turning point came through bariatric surgery, a step he resisted for years but ultimately embraced. He credits his wife Rosalyn, a breast cancer “conqueror,” and his son for giving him strength and purpose. Their support—and his desire to be present for life’s future moments, like dancing at his granddaughter’s wedding—propelled him toward lasting change. Alex discusses the psychological and emotional impact of weight loss, the changes in news media over the decades, and how legacy media is adapting to the digital era. He also shares his pride in producing The Hunt, a reality-style news segment on unemployment, which earned him an Emmy and reaffirmed his creative vision. We close with Alex’s reflections on fatherhood, legacy, and resilience. His mantra, “I can’t want this more than you,” serves as a call to personal responsibility and action. He’s now living as “Alex 2.0,” intent on advocating for men’s health, encouraging others to take ownership of their wellness, and setting an example for his family and community. Links: Michigan Men's Health Foundation: https://www.michiganmenshealthfoundation.org The Pink Fund: https://www.pinkfund.org Cass Technical High School: https://www.detroitk12.org/casstech The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

  8. 10/21/2024

    Prostate Screening is MUCH Easier Than You Think!

    In this episode of the On Call for Men's Health podcast, Dr. Michael Lutz is joined by Frank Lescas, Vice President of Marketing at Blue Earth Diagnostics, to discuss prostate cancer survivorship, the evolution of prostate cancer diagnostics, and the role of radiopharmaceuticals in improving men's health. Blue Earth Diagnostics, founded in 2014, has become a leader in developing innovative diagnostic tools, especially for prostate cancer, with products like Axumin and Posluma, which allow physicians to better visualize cancer at a cellular level using PET scans.  This can all follow the initial screening, which is done with a simple blood test. Frank shares how Blue Earth's radiopharmaceuticals have revolutionized prostate cancer diagnostics by offering more precise imaging than traditional CT or MRI scans. This improved precision enables doctors like Dr. Lutz to better assess the stage of the disease, facilitating more informed decisions about treatment options, and advancing the shared decision-making process between patients and healthcare providers. Throughout the episode, Frank reflects on his personal connection to prostate cancer. His grandfather and uncle both battled the disease in different eras, with his uncle benefitting from advances in PSA testing and therapeutic options. His brother, diagnosed more recently, exemplifies the benefits of modern prostate cancer management, including active surveillance and PSMA PET scanning. Frank stresses the importance of regular screening and advocacy, encouraging men to get PSA tests as part of their routine healthcare. The conversation also highlights how prostate cancer diagnostics have evolved from crude blood tests in the 1970s to today's highly sensitive imaging and genetic tests. Dr. Lutz emphasizes the growing role of liquid biopsies and multiparametric MRIs, which, along with advanced PET scans, allow for more accurate staging and treatment planning. The episode calls for men to be proactive about their health, get screened regularly, and take advantage of advancements in prostate cancer detection and treatment. You'll also hear about Frank's experience as an Olympic swimmer as well! More: Michigan Men's Health Foundation: https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/ Blue Earth Diagnostics: https://www.blueearthdiagnostics.com/ The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

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About

Men don’t like to talk about their health. So, we are. Host Michael Lutz, M.D., is a retired urologist and president and founder of the Michigan Men’s Health Foundation. Featuring special guest experts on issues related to men’s health and personal stories of survival, the On Call for Men’s Health podcast improves the health, through conversation, of listeners and the men they love.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michael Lutz
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024-2026 Michigan Men's Health Foundation
  • Show Website
    On Call for Men's Health