Prostate Cancer Canada Network

In The News

Well-Done Meat Consumption May Increase Prostate Cancer Risk
Research into the dietary habits of about a thousand men from the Cleveland area has found that a high consumption of meats, especially of red meat prepared by grilling, is positively associated with an increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. This particular study, which was led by Dr. John Witte of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), has a number of limitations, but it does add support to other investigations connecting meat consumption with cancer risk.

Toronto researchers speculate regarding a link between prostate cancer and oral contraceptive use
Very preliminary and speculative research, designed to spark further inquires, suggests that there may be a connection between oral contraceptive use and rising rates of prostate cancer. One theory is that the widespread use of birth-control pills in various populations may result in a higher level of estrogen in the environment, which might, in turn, increase prostate cancer risk.

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New Resources and Opportunities

Internet Research Tips The Internet enables men with prostate cancer to become knowledgeable about this disease and involved in their treatment and lifestyle decisions like never before. But there is so much information available that finding what you need and deciding on its usefulness and credibility is often very complicated. Anyone with a domain name can post information on the Internet. So it's important to investigate a website's reason for being as well as its author and intended audience when you assess whether the material it presents is useful to you and trustworthy. Click here for research tips and a description of some sites that other men with prostate cancer have found useful. (For more suggestions, check out our Links page.)
Help yourself to our resources Since the launch of the new PCCN website in the summer of 2010, we've added much more than streamlined, attractive, and current design elements and navigation features. New articles highlight upcoming conferences and events and summarize the latest in prostate cancer research, awareness, and support group leadership. And we’ve also preserved all the information about prostate cancer that you have come to rely on. Learn how to search our site effectively, and help yourself by discovering a world of information that is directly relevant to you and your situation. Click here to find out more.
Great Resource for Prostate Cancer Education In September 2009, Prostate Cancer Canada (PCC) and the Masonic Foundation of Ontario launched a comprehensive public education kit designed to help community groups present the facts about prostate cancer to their members. The kit, generously funded by the Freemasons, is a wonderful resource for prostate cancer support groups, corporations, and health educators. Each kit contains everything necessary for a presentation on prostate cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options: a PowerPoint presentation on CD-ROM; presenter notes; a video featuring doctors, researchers, and survivors and their families; and a takeaway brochure for attendees. Click here to find out more.
The Canadian Prostate Cancer Network becomes the Prostate Cancer Canada Network "It's a new day for prostate cancer support groups across Canada," remarks Bob Shiell. "We have amalgamated with Prostate Cancer Canada, formerly known as the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada." The result? Ultimately, the benefit to men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer will be a coast-to-coast network of strengthened support groups that will have more and better tools and training.
Globe & Mail Reviews Bercuson’s book Assume the Position: One Guy's Journey Through Prostate Cancer According to Andre Picard of the Globe & Mail, Richard Bercuson's new book is "witty, chock full of practical information, and, at times, even fun" - - - praise indeed for a book about prostate cancer. "But the real charm of Assume the Position is that it is written by a man, for men," Picard continues. Assume the Position: One Guy's Journey Through Prostate Cancer tells the story of Bercuson's prostate cancer experience with humour and compassion. Says Allan Rock, himself a prostate cancer survivor, "Richard Bercuson … manages to humanize the experience of being diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, while at the same time reducing the mystery and fear that too often surround this increasingly common disease." This book is more than a great read, however. All proceeds from sales will go towards the Prostate Cancer Association of Ottawa (PCAO), which underwrote publication. The book will retail at $15.00, but support groups can purchase bulk copies at $10.00 apiece (including shipping) and then re-sell the books, if they wish, for the cover price of $15.00. For more information, visit the PCAO website or click here.
Globe and Mail Supplement on Prostate Cancer Once regarded as a geriatric affliction, prostate cancer is now known to be a disease that can take root early in a man’s life. Read the recent Globe and Mail supplement on prostate cancer to get the latest on early detection, the PSA test, cornerstone therapeutics, treatment options, and support group initiatives. Also, discover how prostate cancer affects women, and hear survivor stories that inspire. (Click here to access the pdf file.)
Research Compares Treatment of Early Prostate Cancer In the news recently are two interesting studies comparing various treatments of early stage prostate cancer. One, conducted in France, compared the effects of two treatments frequently prescribed for localized prostate cancer: 1) radioactive seed implantation (brachytherapy) and 2) surgery to remove the prostate (prostatectomy). Another study, based on data collected in the United States between 1980 and 1997, compares the long-term survival of men with localized prostate cancer who underwent 1) active surveillance or 2) radiation or surgery. (Read more.)

A New Booklet for Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer In Living with Prostate Cancer, Dr. Fred Saad (MD, FRCS) explains metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer, outlines the therapies available to treat men when hormone-resistant metastases have occurred, and discusses measures to help men with advanced prostate cancer improve their well-being. Dr. Saad is the Director of Urologic Oncology at the University of Montreal Hospital Centre and Professor of Surgery and U of M Chair in Prostate Cancer at the University of Montreal. This booklet should be available from your local prostate cancer treatment centre.
Book Dedicated to PC Support Groups from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island In his book Surviving Prostate Cancer: A Personal Journey and Second Opinion, Harold Gopaul, a prostate cancer survivor and a member of the Vancouver and Coquitlam Prostate Support and Awareness Group, explains the complexity of prostate cancer, some misunderstandings about it, and the findings from many scientific studies. He does this not only from the perspective of a survivor but also using his experiences as a biology teacher and an editor of both the Catalyst (the British Columbia Science Teachers' journal) and the Newsletter of the Vancouver Prostate Support Group. Read recent reviews by clicking here. For more information: Phone (403) 283-0900; Fax (403) 283-6947; E-mail temeron@telusplanet.net www.temerondetselig.com