2025 Blue Jacket Fashion Show: "Real Men Get Screened For Cancer"
Blue Jacket Fashion Show took place at MG Studios in Los Angeles on Oct. 6. L-R: Bob Lane, Frederick Anderson, Kate Hensman of Johnson & Johnson, Trevor Maxwell
"To all the guys, man up and take charge of your health. Talk to your doctor about cancer screenings. Ask about a PSA test for prostate cancer. Make this the year to get it done, because real men get screened for cancer."
That was the message Man Up to Cancer founder Trevor Maxwell delivered to the crowd attending the Blue Jacket Fashion Show at MG Studios in Los Angeles on Oct. 6.
The event is a unique intersection of prostate cancer advocacy, fashion, and entertainment. Created by designer Frederick Anderson in partnership with global health company Johnson & Johnson, the Blue Jacket Fashion Show is held annually in New York and L.A.
More than 20 men walked the blue carpet, including entertainers, actors, models, and athletes. Ian Ziering from "90210," Captain Kerry Titheradge from "Below Deck," and boxing champion Teófimo López were crowd favorites. Power couple Holly Robinson Peete ("21 Jump Street," "Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper," HollyRod Foundation) and Rodney Peete (former NFL quarterback) were at the center of the after-party.
Representing cancer patients on the blue carpet were Maxwell and Bob Lane, a stage IV prostate cancer survivor from South Carolina. Lane has undergone a surgery to remove his prostate, radiation, and successful therapy with the drug, Erleada.
Celebrities and advocates walked the runway in specially created blue jacket looks to symbolize the light blue ribbon of prostate cancer awareness.
Maxwell also had an opportunity to speak to the crowd prior to the runway show. He was joined at the event by Matt Kozlovac, executive director of Man Up to Cancer. The organization partners with Johnson & Johnson to raise awareness and promote research for prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in American men.
Anderson kicked off the event with a powerful discussion of the impact of prostate cancer, particularly in the Black community. Black men face a 70 percent higher risk of developing prostate cancer and a far higher mortality rate compared to white men.
"Cancer is most definitely going to touch everyone in one way or another — directly or through family and friends," Anderson said. "As a Black man, prostate cancer is 1 in 6 and those numbers are just too scary to not be proactive. Knowing what's going on in your body will save your life. Talking and sharing will save others."
Kate Hensman, a member of Johnson & Johnson's senior leadership team, said the company is honored to continue to partner with Anderson.
“The Blue Jacket Fashion Show generates a huge opportunity to start a meaningful conversation about prostate cancer and the importance of screening, about the health inequities that exist for underserved communities, and about shifting the dialogue from awareness to action, and why we value the incredible partnership we’ve built by supporting this program since its inception," Hensman said.
Ian Ziering has long been known in L.A. as a supporter of charitable and health-related causes. He said he has family members impacted by cancer, but they are doing well. He was glad to participate in a show with an important cause.
"The byproduct for having been lucky enough to be in this business is fame, and I look at it like celebrity capital, and this is a great event to spend some of that capital on," Ziering said. "If I can help raise awareness of cancer, all cancers, not just prostate cancer, maybe it could save someone's life."
Luke McEndarfer, a Grammy-winning conductor and CEO of the National Children's Chorus, said he was grateful to participate in the Blue Jacket Fashion Show, which he described as a unique event.
"It's really important to educate people about prevention," he said. "Discovering cancer early can be life-saving."
Why This Matters
1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, after lung cancer.
Black men face a 70% higher risk of developing prostate cancer and a far higher mortality rate compared to white men.
Man Up to Cancer represents more than 500 prostate cancer patients and survivors within its international community, making this partnership especially meaningful.
Screening Saves Lives
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF):
Men ages 55 to 69 with no family history of prostate cancer should talk with their doctors about blood testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Men with a close relative diagnosed before age 65 should begin that discussion around age 45.
Those with extensive family history may need to start even earlier.
Take action today: Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening. And if you or a loved one are navigating a diagnosis, connect with us at www.manuptocancer.org to find support and brotherhood.
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