Interview with Travis Gay, President and General Manager, Teleflex Interventional Urology

Early detection of major health issues can often be the key to successful treatment. As men age, they are susceptible to developing cancer, depression, stroke, diabetes, and heart diseases, yet also have unique issues such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH. However, barriers ranging from lack of symptom awareness to embarrassment can keep men from seeking medical attention early.

Recognized annually in November, Men’s Health Awareness Month is meant to serve as a reminder for men to prioritize their physical and mental health and actively seek out medical care and support when needed. Global campaigns like Movember , a leading charity that is focused on raising awareness for men’s health issues—like prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health, are critical in helping to raise awareness for these health issues impacting men.

In observance of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we recently sat down with Travis Gay, President and General Manager of Teleflex’s Interventional Urology business unit, to discuss the importance of prostate health awareness.

Teleflex: When it comes to men’s health awareness, why is prostate health often overlooked? ?Why shouldn’t it be overlooked?

Travis: Societal perceptions of masculinity can discourage open conversations about the importance of men’s prostate health. Many men feel uncomfortable discussing symptoms like frequent urination that disrupts a good night’s sleep, not emptying the bladder fully, and issues with sexual function.

But did you know that compared to diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is lesser known, however it impacts 70 percent of men in their 60s.1 BPH causes lower urinary tract symptoms like leaking urine, a weak stream and the inability to empty the bladder.2-3 Prostate cancer remains the most common form of cancer among men in 180 countries, including the U.S., and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men globally.4

Also, BPH and prostate cancer may not present noticeable symptoms right away. Symptoms can incrementally worsen over a longer period, leading men to neglect regular, preventative check-ups.

Additionally, there is often insufficient education on prostate health compared to other health concerns, resulting in a lack of awareness about the importance of regular screenings.

We hear about the importance of a colorectal cancer screening – having a colonoscopy at age 45. We have annual blood panels, including A1C tests to detect elevated blood sugar levels to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and screenings to detect conditions like high blood pressure. However, we don’t often hear about cystoscopies, the diagnostic procedure to examine the urinary tract to confirm BPH, bladder damage, and signs of cancer.

It’s important to proactively address prostate health because BPH has an impact on quality of life when you think about impaired urinary function or bathroom disruptions while traveling and/or sleeping, enjoying activities, and keeping active. These symptoms not only impact a man’s quality of life with fatigue and mobility, but, if left untreated, can also cause bladder damage over time.5

By raising awareness for greater adoption of cystoscopies when men first show symptoms of BPH, more men can obtain earlier treatment and avoid irreversible bladder damage.6

Teleflex: How does patient experience, and even patient education, help men overcome barriers to health checks and screenings?

Travis: Awareness and education empower men to make informed decisions about their health, engage with healthcare providers, and seek appropriate screening and treatment options. At Teleflex, we offer resources on our product websites to educate patients about their condition and better understand treatment options they can discuss with their healthcare provider.

Our patient ambassador program* gives men the opportunity to speak with someone who has experienced BPH and had positive outcomes with a prostatic urethral lift (PUL). The barriers that have historically kept men from seeking help diminish the more we can educate and normalize these conversations with healthcare providers.

Teleflex: How does Teleflex aim to support men’s prostate health?

Travis: At Teleflex, we are committed to supporting research and raising awareness about prostate health, including the vital role that early diagnosis and treatment play in improving patient outcomes for those suffering from BPH and prostate cancer.

Through our partnerships with the American Urological Association (AUA), American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and international urological congresses, including our work with thousands of urologists and urology specialists globally, we are focused on ensuring patients are at the center of our work.

We also advocate for men’s prostate health during association-sponsored advocacy events led by the AUA to ensure our elected officials understand the importance for access to urological care, and BPH and prostate cancer awareness.

Teleflex: Why is it important to be an advocate for men’s health and, specifically, for prostate health?

Travis: I think awareness, education and advocacy must all go hand in hand when you think about reaching men who are not aware about the importance of prostate health, providing educational resources, and improving healthcare access. Advocacy is critical to increased funding for research, better healthcare policies, and more comprehensive health programs tailored to men's needs. When you’ve experienced a loved one suffering from cancer or BPH, it hits home. As founder of Palette Life Sciences, which is now part of Teleflex, and now serving as President and General Manager of Teleflex’s Interventional Urology business unit, I take this work personally. I’ve been impacted by a male family member who passed away from cancer, so I know firsthand the importance of early detection and making sure healthcare is patient focused.

Our employees are also committed to increasing awareness and encouraging open dialogue about prostate health with their loved ones and those in their social and professional networks.

I am inspired by our community of urologists and my colleagues focused on this vital work. Prostate health patient awareness, education and advocacy are all essential for early detection and better health outcomes.

* UroLift? System Patient Ambassadors share their personal experience – they do not provide medical advice. Individual results may vary.

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Citations

1. Berry, S.J., et al., The Development of Human Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with Age, J Urology 1984; 132: 474-479

2. Rosenberg, Int J Clin Pract 2007

3. Vuichoud, Can J Urol 2015

4. GlobalCan 2022. https://gco.iarc.who.int/en

5. Tubaro, Drugs Aging 2003

6. Flanigan, J Urol 1998

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