Men's Cancers
How Movember is Making a Difference Amid Rise in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
One in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with over 27,000 new cases expected in 2024 . However, the burden of prostate cancer is not borne equally by all Canadian men. Beyond screening, diagnosis, and treatment impacts, outcomes can be impacted by factors like a person’s race, ethnicity, place of residence, gender, and sexual orientation. Men of African or Caribbean ancestry, Black men, and Indigenous men have up to double the risk of being diagnosed with, and of dying of, prostate cancer.
Men who live in rural or remote areas may lack access to testing and treatment tools, impacting their prostate cancer outcomes and overall quality of life. Gay and bisexual men, as well as gender diverse people, have unique challenges associated with prostate cancer treatment that may not be adequately addressed through healthcare systems. All these factors can lead to poorer outcomes for Canadian men. Movember is working to change this.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Since 2008, Movember has invested $107 million in over 200 Canadian research projects aimed at reducing the burden of prostate cancer and improving the lives of those living with it. Thanks to this type of research,
men have access to better prostate cancer screening, testing, imaging, treatment, and support. However, we still have a long way to go to address and overcome the disparities in health outcomes that exist for marginalized and traditionally underrepresented communities.
Over the next three years, Movember will invest $2.1 million in prostate cancer health equity research to strengthen knowledge and implement strategies that overcome barriers and improve outcomes for Indigenous men, Black men, men of African and Caribbean descent, men living in rural and remote areas, and people with diverse gender and/or sexual orientation. This is in addition to the $3.2 million Movember has committed to focus on improving sexual health and wellbeing across Canada and $800,000 is focused on advancing personalized cancer care research.
Together, we can help Canada’s cancer care system work for everyone who needs it.
To get involved this Movember, sign up and be part of the change that helps stop men dying too young. To learn more about Movember’s work visit ca.movember.com
Dr. Mike Fraser, Director of Implementation - Cancer, Movember Canada
Colorectal cancer typically starts as a polyp — a benign growth in the lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps can be removed before they become malignant (cancerous), effectively preventing the cancer. Undetected, however, the tumour will spread into the lymph nodes and eventually to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.
Screening saves lives
Regular screening can detect precancerous growths known as polyps, which can then be removed before becoming malignant or screening may find an early-stage cancer when treatment is far more likely to succeed. National guidelines issued by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care urge
Screening For Colorectal Cancer Could Save Your Life
Colorectal cancer often strikes silently with no obvious symptoms. It's the third most common cancer in men worldwide and the second leading cause of cancerrelated deaths. However, it's also a highly preventable cancer through screening.
Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN)
Canadians at average risk — those with no symptoms and no family history of colorectal cancer — to be screened regularly between the ages of 50 to 74 using an easy, safe, and painless test done at home called a FIT (fecal immunochemical test). Individuals with a family history or certain genetic or inherited conditions may need to start screening earlier through colonoscopies.
Those who are experiencing symptoms consistent with colorectal cancer should speak to a healthcare professional to determine if a diagnostic colonoscopy may be right for them, regardless of their age, fitness, or screening result. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include: bloody stools, prolonged constipation/diarrhea, narrow stools, abdominal cramp-
ing, unexplained weight loss/loss of appetite, sense of fullness, nausea and vomiting, gas and bloating, and fatigue/lethargy.
Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) is a national, not-for-profit, patient-focused organization on a mission to provide support, education, and advocacy for colorectal cancer patients and their families. CCRAN strives to improve patient outcomes through increasing awareness, promoting screening, and providing evidence-based resources to those afflicted by the disease.
Don’t risk your life to avoid an uncomfortable discussion: speak to your doctor about your risk and determine the most appropriate screening plan for you.
What Every Man Should Know
Early prostate cancer screening ensures good health outcomes. For men with genetic changes that affect the body's ability to repair DNA, this is especially important.
In 2007 Laurent Proulx, then 48, was working as Chief Technology Officer for a public company. During his required annual physical that year, Proulx’s doctor found some abnormalities in his prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and referred him to a urologist. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, underwent prostate removal surgery, and required no further treatment. Today he supports other men with the disease as President and CEO of PROCURE. Like Proulx, many men with prostate cancer are diagnosed early and make a full recovery. “A smaller group of patients are diagnosed with advanced disease or have a recurrence into advanced disease,” says Dr. Steven Yip, Medical Oncologist, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary,
Alberta. Though considered incurable at the advanced, metastatic stage, advancements in treatments such as precision oncology, PARP inhibitors, and radiopharmaceuticals are improving quality of life and survival for these patients. “While these unique novel treatments are not applicable to everyone, we’re getting better at identifying the best approach for each individual patient,” says Dr. Yip.
Importance of genetic testing
Different genes can play a role in prostate cancer and can affect how the disease develops and progresses in a patient. DNA testing can help identify the best novel therapy for the individual patient. “Approximately 20 to 30 per cent of the metastatic castration
resistant prostate cancer population have some kind of DNA damage repair mutations, and about 10 per cent of the general population have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation,” says Dr. Yip, who is advocating for easier access to genetic testing, especially for patients with a family history of the disease. It is critical that men advocate for their health and know their testing options. “Historically men have been shy about getting their prostate checked, but during the pandemic, more men were diagnosed with advanced disease, so early testing is critical,” says Dr. Yip. Adds Proulx: “PROCURE offers a free support line, 1 855 899-2873, available seven days a week with specialized nurses to answer all of your questions related to prostate diseases," he says.
To learn more visit ccran.org
article was
Talk to your doctor about PSA and genetic testing or visit PROCURE for accurate information at procure.ca
was made possible with the support of
Anne Papmehl
This article
Pfizer Canada
Dr. Steven Yip Medical Oncologist, Tom Baker Cancer Centre Filomena Servidio-Italiano President & CEO, CCRAN
Laurent Proulx President & General Director, PROCURE
This
sponsored by CCRAN
Why Bladder Cancer Awareness is so Important for Men
The fifth most common cancer in Canada, bladder cancer strikes more men than women. Being educated and proactive helps ensure positive outcomes.
Anne Papmehl
In the fall of 2017, Peter Rich, then 65 and self-employed in Aurora, Ontario, sought medical attention after noticing blood in his urine. “It was initially diagnosed as a bladder or kidney infection, but it soon became apparent after heavier bleeding and small blood clots began to appear, that further investigation was required,” he says. In June of 2018, he received the diagnosis of stage 4 muscle invasive bladder cancer. “The tumour was so advanced that my only option was surgery to remove the bladder and undergo multiple rounds of chemotherapy,” says Rich.
Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Canada and the fourth most common cancer in men. Estimates are that 12,300 Canadians will be diagnosed with bladder cancer
in 2024 and about 2,300 are expected to die from the disease. While the majority are diagnosed with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, where the cancer has not grown into the muscle surrounding the bladder, approximately 10 to 15 per cent of bladder cancer cases are locally advanced or metastatic at diagnosis, as was Rich’s.
A heavy disease burden and high risk of recurrence
The most common symptom is blood in the urine (hematuria), as Rich experienced. Other symptoms can include bladder spasms, increased frequency, urgency, difficulty urinating, and back, pelvic, or groin pain. Treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer typically involves surgery to remove tumours from inside the bladder and the insertion of drugs into the bladder. Muscle invasive bladder cancer is commonly treated by removing the bladder (cystectomy) and other modalities such as radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
tial for it to become advanced metastatic disease. This is unfortunately especially common with muscle invasive bladder cancer,” he says.
New treatment options needed
“New treatment options for advanced bladder cancer show promise for improving quality of life and survival for many patients. We also hope to have these new treatment options available in early stages across the disease spectrum,” says Dr. Lalani.
With more first line options, Dr. Lalani says “I think we need to study novel treatments for patients whose disease grows despite the newer therapies. Because of the aggressiveness of the disease, high risk of recurrence, and poor prognosis once spread, we need to make sure novel drugs and innovative surgical options are available to Canadians.”
Dr. Aly-Khan Lalani
Associate Professor, McMaster University & Genitourinary (GU) Medical Oncologist, Juravinski Cancer Centre
New
treatment options
for advanced bladder cancer show promise for improving quality of life and survival for many patients.
Understandably, patients with advanced bladder cancer carry a heavy disease burden. “Apart from dealing with the shock of their diagnosis, they’re also dealing with uncomfortable and painful symptoms in their pelvic area and the treatment burden,” says Dr. Aly-Khan Lalani, Associate Professor at McMaster University and Genitourinary (GU) Medical Oncologist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. “These patients also need to be closely followed in specialized clinics because of the high recurrence rate and the poten-
Despite being cancer-free, Rich’s life with a urostomy is not without challenges. While Rich is very appreciative of the support and treatment he received, he recognizes that living with a urostomy has required adjustments and accommodations.
“I’m beyond grateful for the support and treatment I was given,” Rich says. He credits his medical team for encouraging him to conduct his own research, ask questions, and advocate for himself. Through his own experiences, he discovered valuable resources and support through Bladder Cancer Canada, which he now utilizes to help other patients as a peer support volunteer.
Peter Rich Patient & Peer Support Volunteer, Bladder Cancer Canada
If you notice any unusual bladder symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider, or learn more at bladdercancercanada.org
This article was made possible with the support of Pfizer Canada