SASKATOON – Prostate cancer. It’s a disease that until a few years ago was stigmatized and not talked about openly. The third annual urology symposium ‘Survive and Thrive’ is working to break the silence by hosting a free open forum discussing all things prostate.
“This year we’re really excited to address the psychological aspects of prostate cancer and think about the stress that men and their families go through when they have a prostate cancer diagnosis,” says urology physician Kishore Visvanathan.
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The event takes a 360-degree look at diagnosis, treatment and the journey afterwards.
“Prostate cancer isn’t simply a disease that you’re diagnosed with, treated, and then move on from. It is a process and a journey that really affects you for the rest of your life,” said Lecina Hicke, manager of major giving at St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.
Between eighty to ninety people attended the conference and organizers say there’s been an increase every year.
“We’re really finding out that this is a condition that you can talk about and if you talk about it publicly, you talk about it with your friends, you’re really going to feel better,” said Dr. Visvanathan.
“We’ve heard that you’ll have less stress and you’ll be able to manage the condition better. So we’re really excited it’s getting the word out and people feel more open to talk about prostate cancer.”
Families and survivors are able to get information, network, and find support.
Vince Streukens, captain of “Motorcycle Ride for Dad,” a prostate cancer fundraiser, is a survivor himself and knows first-hand the importance of the conference.
“It can be a very life-changing event so groups like this, events like this help people through that,” says Streukens.
Although it’s only the third year for the conference, it has received positive feedback from both survivors and families.
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