Our spokespeople
We are very happy to be able to count Winston McQuade, Isabelle Pagé and Bertrand Godin as PROCURE spokespersons. Together they represent all facets of a man with prostate cancer: the survivor – the daughter, mother, partner – the friend, support, family. We are extremely grateful for their support in this fight.
Host and artist Winston McQuade was one of PROCURE’s first spokespersons. After having been diagnosed with prostate cancer himself, he decides to join his friend and colleague Jean Pagé in order to get involved with PROCURE. His goal: to make men aware of the importance of screening and prevention in order to demystify this cancer and open up dialogue. It must be said that, detected at an early stage, this cancer is quite curable. However, 880 men will die from it each year. Today Winston is a survivor, and he is proof that men can fight this disease and can have a grip on how they cope with it as well.
«It is very hard to find out that you have cancer. Because of the shadow of the word “cancer” casts, of course, but also because of side effects and complications from treatments. Receiving a diagnosis is a shock that can sometimes be difficult to overcome. Having had cancer myself and having had a recurrence, I know how emotional it can be and sometimes you can feel your whole world falling apart. That’s why I’ve been involved with PROCURE for so many years. There was an urgent need to help men receiving such a diagnosis. But above all, there was an urgent need to demystify this disease still taboo for so many men in order to help them come out of isolation and let them know that resources and support exist.» Winston McQuade
Actress Isabelle Pagé takes over from her father Jean Pagé, who died on December 9th, 2019, following a long battle with prostate cancer, becoming an official spokesperson for PROCURE. She thus confirms her commitment to the cause and her desire to continue the immense work accomplished by Jean in the fight against prostate cancer over the past 15 years: That of breaking taboos surrounding this disease and bringing out of isolation men who receive a diagnosis.Today, Isabelle Pagé carries at arm’s length the battle of her father and that of all men affected by prostate cancer. She wants to encourage them to share what they are going through with their family, loved ones and just like her father, no longer feeling embarrassed to talk about it.
«By speaking openly, the disease does not affect the mind as much. Dad found it didn’t hurt to talk about it, on the contrary, it just felt good and that’s the message I want to get across. PROCURE has always been a part of my life and although my father is no longer here, I take up his cause, because he has proven to all of us that this ordeal, together, we can overcome with our heads held high and without being ashamed of it.
Today, I am committed to helping PROCURE demystify prostate cancer and like my father, I am committed to supporting the men and families who suffer from it.» Isabelle Pagé
After supporting the cause for several years, racing driver Bertrand Godin becomes one of the official spokespersons for PROCURE. A cause that is particularly close to his heart, especially due to his dear friend Jean Pagé. It is with emotion that Bertrand continues the work that Jean has accomplished over the past 15 years. He is even at the head of a new initiative: LA COURSE DU COURAGE BERTRAND GODIN, aimed at bringing together a multitude of activities to rally motorsport enthusiasts in the fight against prostate cancer.
«Even today, there are 12 men in Quebec who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and this fight, I saw my friend go through it. Today Jean is no longer here, but his fight continues: That of breaking taboos surrounding this disease, helping men out of isolation and supporting them and their families in this long battle they are going through. It is in continuity and with passion that I take over, especially alongside Winston McQuade and his daughter Isabelle. From up there, I’m sure he’s proud of her.» Bertrand Godin
Our spokespeople
- What we do
- Our spokespeople
- Anatomy
- Structure
- Function
Our spokespeople
OUR SPOKESPEOPLE
We are very happy to be able to count Winston McQuade, Isabelle Pagé and Bertrand Godin as PROCURE spokespersons. Together they represent all facets of a man with prostate cancer: the survivor – the daughter, mother, partner – the friend, support, family. We are extremely grateful for their support in this fight.
Winston McQuade
Host and artist Winston McQuade was one of PROCURE’s first spokespersons. After having been diagnosed with prostate cancer himself, he decides to join his friend and colleague Jean Pagé in order to get involved with PROCURE. His goal: to make men aware of the importance of screening and prevention in order to demystify this cancer and open up dialogue. It must be said that, detected at an early stage, this cancer is quite curable. However, 880 men will die from it each year. Today Winston is a survivor, and he is proof that men can fight this disease and can have a grip on how they cope with it as well.
«It is very hard to find out that you have cancer. Because of the shadow of the word “cancer” casts, of course, but also because of side effects and complications from treatments. Receiving a diagnosis is a shock that can sometimes be difficult to overcome. Having had cancer myself and having had a recurrence, I know how emotional it can be and sometimes you can feel your whole world falling apart. That’s why I’ve been involved with PROCURE for so many years. There was an urgent need to help men receiving such a diagnosis. But above all, there was an urgent need to demystify this disease still taboo for so many men in order to help them come out of isolation and let them know that resources and support exist.» Winston McQuade
Isabelle Pagé
Actress Isabelle Pagé takes over from her father Jean Pagé, who died on December 9th, 2019, following a long battle with prostate cancer, becoming an official spokesperson for PROCURE. She thus confirms her commitment to the cause and her desire to continue the immense work accomplished by Jean in the fight against prostate cancer over the past 15 years: That of breaking taboos surrounding this disease and bringing out of isolation men who receive a diagnosis.Today, Isabelle Pagé carries at arm’s length the battle of her father and that of all men affected by prostate cancer. She wants to encourage them to share what they are going through with their family, loved ones and just like her father, no longer feeling embarrassed to talk about it.
«By speaking openly, the disease does not affect the mind as much. Dad found it didn’t hurt to talk about it, on the contrary, it just felt good and that’s the message I want to get across. PROCURE has always been a part of my life and although my father is no longer here, I take up his cause, because he has proven to all of us that this ordeal, together, we can overcome with our heads held high and without being ashamed of it. Today, I am committed to helping PROCURE demystify prostate cancer and like my father, I am committed to supporting the men and families who suffer from it.» Isabelle Pagé
Bertrand Godin
After supporting the cause for several years, racing driver Bertrand Godin becomes one of the official spokespersons for PROCURE. A cause that is particularly close to his heart, especially due to his dear friend Jean Pagé. It is with emotion that Bertrand continues the work that Jean has accomplished over the past 15 years. He is even at the head of a new initiative: LA COURSE DU COURAGE BERTRAND GODIN, aimed at bringing together a multitude of activities to rally motorsport enthusiasts in the fight against prostate cancer.
«Even today, there are 18 men in Quebec who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and this fight, I saw my friend go through it. Today Jean is no longer here, but his fight continues: That of breaking taboos surrounding this disease, helping men out of isolation and supporting them and their families in this long battle they are going through. It is in continuity and with passion that I take over, especially alongside Winston McQuade and his daughter Isabelle. From up there, I’m sure he’s proud of her.» Bertrand Godin
Additional Information - Your prostate
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.
On this page:
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