Founding Chairman’s Message
Founding Chairman’s Message
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Our Founding President: Marvyn Kussner
PROCURE traces its origins to the vision of one man, Marvyn Kussner, who not only battled his own prostate cancer but also wanted to establish an organization to inform and support those affected by this disease. Twenty years later, we continue our efforts to advance research in this field and to develop new tools to inform patients and their families.
I knew nothing about prostate cancer until I received the results from a regular check-up by my family physician. A PSA of 12 and a Gleason Test of 10 put me into a state of shock. The seriousness of the situation warranted my taking immediate action to fully access the best medical treatment for my survival. With proper research, I made it my business to find the best local medical team and I followed through on a secondary source by visiting the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Johns Hopkins Center. From that point on, my strategy was well defined and I am now in a state of remission or better.
What I learned from my experience is the urgent need in Québec for better information and coordinated resources for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Awareness, education and information are critical to help combat this distressingly common disease. Statistics indicate that of all cancers, the incidence of prostate cancer is expected to increase the most in the next decade. Given this reality, I personally felt an overwhelming need to do something important and was encouraged and challenged to take positive action by the Department of Urology at the McGill University teaching hospitals.
The McGill Prostate Cancer Fund was established, and quickly recruited to its board a group of concerned and dedicated leaders in our community. After funding a researcher for prostate cancer at the Montreal General Hospital, the Board of Directors determined a need to expand our efforts beyond any one hospital or medical faculty. The board moved effectively and with determination to create PROCURE – a not-for-profit organisation to spearhead the effort to push for excellence in education, treatment and research for prostate cancer in the Province of Québec. Our Alliance now includes representatives from all four of Québec’s medical faculties, namely, the CHUM (Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montréal), MUHC (McGill University Health Centre), CHUS (Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke), and CHUQ (Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec).
PROCURE will successfully undertake many challenges. Our mission is to help prevent and cure prostate cancer by educating the public and by combining top-quality scientific research with compassion and humanity. Specifically, we will establish a web site, information centers, and create a biobank in cooperation with researchers from all of the previously mentioned medical faculties in the province.
I am personally very grateful for the wonderful support from my board members, the leadership and determination of the committee members and the important contributions of our medical experts.
It is my firm conviction that PROCURE, with the support of our donors, will make a profound difference to the many men and their family members who have to face the ordeal of prostate cancer.
Marvyn Kussner*
*Deceased in June 2013
Other pages that might interest you
Additional Information - Prostate cancer
Is prostate cancer hereditary?
Understanding the hereditary and genetic aspects of this disease can provide valuable information to both individuals affected and their families.
Genetics and prostate cancer
Do you have a family history of cancer? Your doctor might recommend genetic screening.
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 or experiencing urinary problems? Discover why early screening for prostate diseases is important.
From prostate to screening
Learn about the role of your prostate, related diseases, symptoms to watch out for and risk factors.
Genetic predisposition to prostate cancer
Although rare, some hereditary genetic mutations can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
Do you have a curved penis?
Is your penis curved? Does it curve to the left, right, upward, or downward? You have a curved penis and you or your partner want to know why?
Can I prevent BRCA-related prostate cancer?
How to prevent BRCA-related prostate cancer? Can I have a radical prostatectomy or a proactive treatment to prevent prostate cancer?
What is a genetic mutation?
Do you have a significant family history of cancer? Is there a link between prostate cancer and a genetic mutation?
My balls hurt!
While sore balls are a common experience and usually no cause for concern, it’s important to familiarise yourself with symptoms in case it’s a sign of something serious.
I feel a heaviness in my underwear
I feel a heaviness in my underwear and I know it’s not normal… And sure enough, you notice your balls are much bigger than usual.
What women should know about prostate cancer
As a woman, you might think that prostate cancer is not your concern because you don’t have a prostate. However, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
Why a health check?
The short answer to this question is to assess your health. This is the starting point for a health check. Could we be in the presence of potential undetected diseases?
10 signs that encourage you to see a doctor
There are many reasons why men will be referred to a specialist, and if you experience any of the following symptoms you should see a family doctor. Here are 10 signs that encourage you to consult. You should also know that unless you go to a private clinic, you cannot consult a specialist directly, such as […]
From your prostate to screening in 5 points
From your prostate to screening in 5 points. Gentlemen, are you over 50 years old, or have you been having urinary problems for some time now? Several diseases can affect your prostate, and it’s important to detect them early. Let’s take a closer look. The size of a walnut, the prostate is located just below […]
Sources and references
Last medical and editorial review: April 2024. See our web page validation committee and our collaborators by clicking here.