Fresh from the inaugural working meeting of ASAP (A Survivorship Action Partnership), a Movember-funded program, the network participants are inspired and ready to develop programs that will support prostate cancer survivors. The group, the first of its kind on the Canadian cancer landscape, consists of health care representatives who interact regularly with prostate cancer survivors and their friends, families and caregivers.
The network, led by PCC and funded by Movember, met on Feb. 26 and 27 in Vancouver to share ideas, experience and focus on the business of providing the right support, at the right time, in the right place, by the right individual. It’s about what happens after a patient hears those words: You have prostate cancer – and offering support and education programs that will help everyone touched by the diagnosis and the decisions, actions and outcomes that follow.
Delegates representing 19 clinical, community and academic institutions from across the country participated in the workshop, including Sharon Baxter from the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. Survivors and non-medical members of the public also fully participated, providing insight and advice into the programs offered.
“We are thrilled to be included amongst these groups. Together we can help all Canadians affected by prostate cancer deal with survivorship issues and plan for the end of life,” said Sharon Baxter, Executive Director of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.
“The hard-earned funds of Canadian Mo Bros and Mo Sistas is what makes this program possible,” says Pete Bombaci National Director, Movember Canada. “For the first time ever, experts from across Canada were working together with prostate cancer survivors and caregivers to work on solutions that will improve the quality of life for those affected by prostate cancer.”
“The important thing is that we are helping survivors and their circle of care live their best possible lives,” says Maureen Rowlands, Director of Support Services at Prostate Cancer Canada. “That could mean offering programs to help patients effectively navigate through the healthcare system, tools to help make the best possible individualized treatment decisions, or patient and caregiver education modules presented via a variety of channels, from apps to workshops.”
Information on ASAP’s progress will continue to flow through Prostate Cancer Canada’s website and social media channels. Prostate Cancer Canada would like to recognize the Movember Foundation as the sole funder of this initiative.
About Prostate Cancer Canada
Prostate Cancer Canada raises funds for the development of programs related to awareness and public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer. For more information visit prostatecancer.ca or check our Twitter account at @ProstateCancerC or Facebook at Prostate Cancer Canada.
About Movember
During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in Canada and around the world. With their Mo’s, these Mo Bros and supporting Mo Sistas raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health issues. Since its inception as a charity event in 2004, over 2 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have raised over $300 M for its causes with official Movember campaigns taking place in 21 countries. For more information please visit movember.com – @movemberCA – facebook.com/movembercanada
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