Trust: The Missing Prescription in American Health Care We often talk about breakthroughs, technologies, and the next miracle cure. But there's a quieter crisis happening every day in hospitals, clinics, and conversations across this country—a crisis of trust.For many, walking into a medical office feels less like entering a space of healing and more like stepping into a maze. Confusion over cost, rushed appointments, and complicated insurance rules make it hard to feel seen, let alone cared for. It’s no wonder so many Americans ask themselves: “Am I being treated—or processed?” I hear this fear in the voices of men I sit with. Veterans, fathers, brothers—many of them navigating the heavy unknowns of prostate cancer. For some, the diagnosis comes late because they didn’t feel safe asking questions. Others delay testing because the system seems too complex, too impersonal, or too profit-driven to trust. But here’s the truth: trust isn’t a luxury in health care—it’s a lifeline. When people trust their doctor, they’re more likely to speak up early, seek second opinions, and stick with treatment plans. When transparency replaces confusion, patients feel empowered, not blindsided. And when medical systems listen—really listen—they stop being scary and start becoming sacred. That’s why building trust is at the core of the DeFeat Cancer® movement. We're not just handing out pamphlets; we're having real conversations. We meet people on the street, in barber shops, at cookouts, and on veterans' bases—and we say, "We’re here. No judgment. Just truth." Because when a man trusts enough to get screened, he might discover something early. When a family trusts enough to ask questions, they make better choices. And when a community trusts that their stories matter, they become part of the healing. So let’s keep fighting—not just cancer, but the silence and skepticism that let it thrive. Let’s build systems and spaces that earn trust, every single day. Because trust isn’t soft. It’s strong. It saves lives.
