Our offer
We are here to help you!
If you are worried about prostate cancer or if you have been diagnosed, we can help. We offer a wide range of reliable and timely information that you can read, view or download from our website, procure.ca. If you have any questions or just want to talk, our health care team, prostate cancer survivors and the PROCURE team are there for you. All our services are free and offered to both you and your loved ones.
Our commitment to you
Inform, educate, support and refer to the best resources, Quebecers affected by prostate cancer, their caregivers and their families throughout their journey Reaching the 12 Quebecers who are diagnosed with prostate cancer each day remains one of our top priorities. There are several good reasons to use PROCURE’s support services, just as there are good reasons to remain hopeful.
Our 7 ways to help you
Our specialists in uro-oncology
You have been diagnosed with or have concerns about prostate cancer? Talk to one of our health professionals, specialized in urology-oncology, who will take the time to listen and offer informed answers. Our 24/7 support line is a free, bilingual and confidential service, offered by appointment, over the phone at 1 855 899-2873 or by email at info@procure.ca.
Our website procure.ca… Everything you need to know
PROCURE’s website is the preferred reference about prostate cancer in Quebec. Available both in English and in French, our procure.ca website contains detailed information about the disease and its treatments and some useful resources for you.
Our conference Series
One of PROCURE’s missions is to educate people about prostate cancer. To do this, PROCURE organizes two free conferences per year in order to educate the public, patients and health care professionals about prostate cancer. Broadcast live with simultaneous translation on our procure.ca website, these conferences can also be viewed on our YouTube channel from the comfort of your home and in the language of your choice.
Our videos of courage and helpful tips
A cancer diagnosis often brings with it a full range of emotions and uncertainties, forcing you to make choices. As such, it is sometimes useful to learn how other people have managed to cope with this disease. Feel free to check out the PROCURE YouTube channel which features our videos – conferences, testimonials, TV interviews and helpful tips – from the comfort of your home.
Let’s talk prostate! Our news blog
Confused by medical jargon? Published on our procure.ca website, you and your loved ones will find in our blog Let’s talk prostate! three articles per month on a variety of current topics related to prostate cancer, men’s health, sexuality, prevention and life after cancer, written in plain language and to everyone’s reach.
Proaction! Our newsletter
Published twice a year in a user-friendly format, our PROaction! newsletter will keep you informed about our educational conferences, our biobank activities and research progress, not to mention our events and our support services. Sign up for our newsletter. It’s free and easy.
Our publications to better inform you and our free book
Our free publications, available in English and French, can be viewed online or downloaded as needed. For copies, contact us by phone or email. The 206-page book “Prostate Cancer – Understand the Disease and Its Treatment”, an extraordinary source of information, written by two leading experts in the field of prostate cancer, can also be viewed online or downloaded as needed and is available free of charge upon request. Contact us by phone or email to request your book in English or in French.
Do not hesitate to contact us
7|7 Toll-free line: 1-855-899-2873
Mail: info@procure.ca
Website: procuro.ca
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
Our offer
Our offer
Our offer
Discover our complete range of services and information designed to support you in your experience with prostate cancer.
Our healthcare professionals specialized in uro-oncology
Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer or have concerns about it? Talk to one of our healthcare professionals who will take the time to listen to you and provide informed answers. This service is available by appointment by phone or email; it is free and confidential.
Our webisite
PROCURE’s website is a preferred reference for prostate cancer. Available in French and English, our website procure.ca contains detailed information about the disease and its treatments, as well as the resources available to you.
Our information webinars
Every year, PROCURE organizes free webinars led by specialists to inform men with prostate cancer, raise awareness among the public and healthcare professionals. You can attend or watch them from the comfort of your home, in the language of your choice.
Our podcasts
Listen to our podcasts with special guests or experts the comfort of your home, you car or while walking.
Our short animated videos and videos
Feel free to visit PROCURE’s YouTube channel to watch our animated capsules, expert opinion videos, webinars, tips capsules, etc., all from the comfort of your home.
Our blog articles
Confused by medical jargon? You and your loved ones will find articles published every month in our blog section on various topics related to prostate cancer, all in clear and understandable language.
Our newsletters
Our newsletter keeps you informed about upcoming webinars, activities of our biobank, research progress, not to mention our events and services. Sign up for our newsletter. It’s easy and free.
Our publications to better inform you
Our publications are free and available in French or English. To obtain copies, contact us by phone or email. Prostate Cancer – Understanding the disease and its treatments, an extraordinary source of information by two leading figures in the fight against prostate cancer, this 215-page book is free and available on request.
Additional Information - Treatment options
How I coped with prostate cancer
A man with prostate cancer shares the challenges of his cancer experience.
Urologist’s advice: Treatments and information on prostate cancer
Learn more about the role of the urologist and the importance for a patient to gather adequate information after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Prostate cancer: Tests, imaging and biomarkers
Discussion about the variety of approaches available to monitor this disease before, during, or after treatment.
Is prostate cancer hereditary?
Understanding the hereditary and genetic aspects of this disease can provide valuable information to both individuals affected and their families.
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 or experiencing urinary problems? Discover why early screening for prostate diseases is important.
Diagnosis and treatment
Recently diagnosed with cancer? Educate yourself to fully understand your situation.
The role of hormone therapy
Has your doctor recommended hormone therapy? This video is for you!
States of prostate cancer following treatment
Do your recent tests show an increase in PSA levels? It could indicate a recurrence.
External radiation or Brachytherapy?
Explore the benefits and considerations of each treatment option for prostate cancer to determine which might be right for you.
Q-A – New therapies for advance prostate cancer
In this interview, we answer patients’ questions about new therapies for advanced prostate cancer.
Genetic predisposition to prostate cancer
Although rare, some hereditary genetic mutations can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
All about hormone therapy
Hormone therapy can reduce tumor size, control cancer, and prolong life. Is it the right treatment for your cancer?
Active surveillance in 5 points
As surprising as it may seem, your doctor may prefer to wait before starting treatment.
States of prostate cancer post-treatment
Gentlemen, you’re being treated for prostate cancer, and your latest blood tests show an increase in PSA levels?
Your role as a patient
Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer? Your role as a patient is essential throughout your journey.
Me a guinea pig?
Did you know that participating in a clinical trial advances medical science and improves the lot of patients for future generations?
Sources and references
Last medical and editorial review: April 2024. See our web page validation committee and our collaborators by clicking here.
Discover our animated video!
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 years old, or have you been having urinary problems for some time now? This video is for you! Several diseases can affect your prostate, and it’s important to detect them early. Let’s take a closer look.
Anatomy
What is the prostate
The prostate is a gland:
- Located between the bladder and the penis, just in front of the rectum;
- Formed of 2 lobes which surround the urethra, a canal that runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder to the penis, letting urine and sperm flow out of the body;
- The size of a walnut, which grows larger in size in your forties;
- That has a soft, spongy texture to the touch like a small, ripe plum.
The prostate is made of:
- Gland cells that secrete liquids for ejaculation;
- Muscle cells that participate in the evacuation of your sperm during ejaculation;
- Fiber cells that maintain the structure of the gland.
Around the prostate, we find:
- The seminal vesicles, glands that produce sperm and that are located on either side of the prostate;
- The vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the seminal vesicles;
- The nerve bundles that control your bladder and erectile function and that are located on either side of your prostate.
Structure
Three main zones of the prostate
Peripheral zone
- The peripheral zone is the largest area of the prostate. It can easily be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Most prostate cancers start in the peripheral zone.
Transition zone
- This is the area located in the middle of the prostate, between the peripheral and central areas. It surrounds your urethra that runs through the prostate.
- With age, the transitional area increases in size until it becomes the largest portion of your prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
Central zone
- It is the part of the prostate that is farthest from the rectum. This is why prostate tumors located in this area can not be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal examination.
- If the doctor is in doubt, the following information will help decide if additional investigation is necessary:
- Your PSA level
- Your age and family history
- Your ethnic origin
Fonction
In short
Your fertility and natural fertilization
- It produces … a prostatic fluid rich in enzymes, proteins and minerals that nourishes and protects your spermatozoa.
- It makes … a protein (APS) that is used to liquefy your sperm to facilitate the mobility of your spermatozoa.
- It allows … ejaculation by contracting.
- It promotes … fertility through its enzymes facilitating the penetration of sperm through the cervix.
- It is not related to the mechanism of erection. Therefore, the origin of erectile dysfunction lies elsewhere.
Additional details
Exocrine Function
The prostate is made up of thousands of tiny fluid-producing glands. Specifically, the prostate is an exocrine gland. Exocrine glands are so-called because they secrete through ducts to the outside of the body (or into a cavity that communicates with the outside). Sweat glands are another example of an exocrine gland.
The fluid that the prostate gland produces forms part of semen, the fluid that carries sperm during orgasm. This fluid, produced in the prostate, is stored with sperm in the seminal vesicles. When the male climaxes, muscular contractions cause the prostate to secrete this fluid into the urethra, where it is expelled from the body through the penis.
Urine Flow
The prostate wraps itself around the urethra as it passes from the bladder to the penis. Prostatic changes can affect urine flow. Increasing the size of the prostate or muscle tone may impede the flow of urine due to the close anatomical relationship between the urethra and the prostate.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
The prostate also produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is released with the ejaculatory fluid and can also be traced in the bloodstream. The testing of PSA levels in the blood is used to detect prostate cancer. The level of PSA in the blood is usually measured in nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood (ng/mL).
A raised PSA level
Usually, a PSA rate of less than 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood is normal, but age should also be taken into consideration as PSA levels gradually increase with age. A rise in PSA concentration may indicate the presence of:
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- An inflammation or infection of the prostate (prostatitis)
- A prostate cancer
Your doctor will have you undergo other tests to determine the exact cause of the increase in your PSA.
We are here for you
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, and those of your family or your loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
Also take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved to advance the cause..
Staying Informed
Pages that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
The latest PROCURE news that might interest you
Every week we publish a blog article. Here are some for you.
The medical content and editorial team at PROCURE
Our team is composed of urologists, and nurses certified in uro-oncology with a deep knowledge of prostate cancer and other diseases related to the genitourinary system. Meet our staff by clicking here.
Sources and references
- Prostate Cancer – Understand the disease and its treatments; Fred Saad, MD, FRCSC and Michael McCormack, MD, FRCSC, 4th et 5th editions
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Foundation-PCF.org
- National Cancer Institute-USA
- American Cancer Society
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Prostate Cancer UK
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
