Facts and news releases
As the only organization devoted entirely to the fight against prostate cancer in Quebec, PROCURE has become a privileged source of information for the media, health networks and the general public.
News releases
2019-2020
The fight goes on – COVID-19 PROCURE
See our news release to get the latest details on our preventive measures to ensure the health of all our fellow Canadians. Get the latest recommendations on COVID-19 for people living with prostate cancer, our support programs and our fundraising activities.March 18, 2020
2018-2019
Launch of our new PROCURE Webinars
Montreal, April 26, 2018 – PROCURE is proud to announce the addition of a new tool to its service offering: PROCURE Webinars for Quebecers affected by prostate cancer. Free and broadcast on the website procure.ca, in the language of the speaker, the webinars, hosted by experts, will feature a variety of topics and issues related to prostate cancer.
2016-2017
Succès pour la première édition de PNEUVEMBRE en soutien à la lutte contre le cancer de la prostate
MONTRÉAL, 2 février 2017 – Plus de 250 détaillants et concessions se sont mobilisés pour sensibiliser leur clientèle et récolter des fonds pour faire progresser la lutte contre le cancer de la prostate au Québec pendant la période de changement des pneus. Ainsi, plus de 50 000 $ étaient amassés grâce à l’industrie automobile du Québec !
ÜRBWA soutient la cause de procure pour lutter contre le cancer de la prostate
MONTRÉAL, 21 novembre 2016 – ÜRBWA s’associe à PROCURE pour former un partenariat dans le but de soutenir financièrement et de faire connaître l’organisme et sa mission, et bien sûr, d’amasser des fonds pour la cause. Pour chaque nœuds papillon vendus, ÜRBWA versera la somme de vingt dollars à PROCURE.
2014-2015
Four Quebec business leaders join PROCURE in the fight against prostate cancer this November
MONTREAL, October 21, 2015—Thanks to last year’s successful BOWVEMBER campaign, PROCURE has brought together 21 Quebec celebrities who share a common goal: to win the fight against prostate cancer. Four Quebec business leaders—Charles Guay of Manulife, Paul Côté of AMT, Robert Nadeau from OACIQ and Olivier Primeau from the Beachclub—are part of this illustrious group of ambassadors who will wear the bow tie co-created by Pénélope and Winston McQuade with designer Luko Marion.
21 Quebec celebrities join forces with PROCURE this November to fight prostate cancer
MONTREAL, October 21, 2015—Thanks to last year’s successful BOWVEMBER campaign, PROCURE has brought together 21 Quebec celebrities who share a common goal: to win the fight against prostate cancer. Pénélope and her father Winston McQuade collaborated with Quebec designer Luko Marion to create the 2015 edition of the bow tie. This collector’s piece is on sale now for only $35 at bowvember.ca as well as select stores across Quebec.
Maripier Morin and Kim Rusk join the group of 21 celebrities who will help PROCURE
MONTREAL, October 21, 2015— Maripier Morin and Kim Rusk join the group of 21 celebrities who will help PROCURE sell 10,000 bow ties this November to help fight prostate cancer in Quebec.
Charles Hamelin joins the Impact, the Alouettes and the Canadiens Alumni to support PROCURE
MONTREAL, October 21, 2015—Thanks to last year’s successful BOWVEMBER campaign, which featured players from the Impact, the Alouettes and the Canadiens as ambassadors, PROCURE was able to bring together 21 Quebec celebrities this year, all of whom share a common goal: to win the fight against prostate cancer. Three-time Olympic gold medalist Charles Hamelin and Canadiens Alumni Gilbert Delorme join Montreal Impact player Evan Bush, Impact president Joey Saputo, Montreal Alouettes player Marc-Olivier Brouillette and Alouettes president Mark Weightman as 2015 ambassadors.
PROCURE lance la première ligne de soutien 24/7 pour les québécois atteints du cancer de la prostate
MONTRÉAL, 7 avril 2015 – PROCURE, le seul organisme de bienfaisance au Québec entièrement consacré à la lutte contre le cancer de la prostate, est fier d’offrir une nouvelle ligne de soutien disponible 24/7 pour aider les patients à se libérer de la peur de l’inconnu et prendre des décisions éclairées grâce au soutien de professionnels de la santé spécialisés. Ce service gratuit et confidentiel est également offert aux membres de la famille et amis des patients ainsi qu’aux professionnels de la santé.
PROCURE announces the affiliation of the Brome-Missisquoi region as its first registered Prostate Cancer Support & Awareness Group in the province of Quebec
MONTREAL, January 20, 2014 – PROCURE is pleased to announce the affiliation of the Brome-Missisquoi region as its first registered Prostate Cancer Support & Awareness Group in Quebec, thus representing an important milestone in the development of its network in the province over the next years.
PROCURE continues in 2014 to expand its Prostate Cancer Support & Awareness Network for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families
MONTREAL, January 13, 2014 – As part of its mission to fight against prostate cancer, PROCURE announces that it will pursue in 2014 the expansion of its Prostate Cancer Support & Awareness Groups in Quebec, thus representing an important milestone in the development of its network in the province over the next years.
2012-2013
PROCURE and the Cancer Research Society announce a $4.5 million investment for the PROCURE Biobank/Cancer Research Society Partnership to advance prostate cancer research
MONTREAL, October 8, 2013
Media Advisory – The 7th edition of the PROCURE Walk of Courage – A symbolic year for PROCURE
MONTREAL, September 12, 2013
Alexandre Despatie se joint à la lutte contre le cancer de la prostate
MONTRÉAL, 13 juin 2013
Avis aux médias – Marcel Aubut, Line Burns et Réjean Tremblay à moto pour PROCURE et la lutte au cancer de la prostate
MONTRÉAL, 6 juillet 2012
À l’occasion de la fête des Pères, à pied et à vélo, les hommes du Québec appuieront PROCURE dans sa lutte contre le cancer de la prostate
MONTRÉAL, 13 juin 2012
Jean Pagé et Jason Burns lancent la deuxième édition de la Randonnée du Courage Pat Burns de PROCURE au Salon de la moto
MONTRÉAL, 22 février 2012
2010-2011
Prostate Cancer Canada and PROCURE team up for Prostate Cancer
MONTREAL, August 2, 2011
Weekend de la fête des pères: Joignez-vous à PROCURE à pied, à vélo ou à moto
MONTRÉAL, 15 juin 2011
Lancement campagne: À pied, À vélo, À moto
MONTRÉAL, 18 mai 2011
Jack Layton hosts gala event for Quebec prostate cancer charity
MONTREAL, October 21, 2010
PROCURE responds to recent reports about the PSA test for prostate cancer
MONTREAL, September 22, 2010
Kick off the fight against prostate cancer with Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay and Yvan Cournoyer
MONTREAL, June 17, 2010
Laurent Proulx
President and CEO, PROCURE
Tel.: 514 341-3000
Tol-free: 1 855 899-2873
laurent.proulx@procure.ca
Facts and news releases
Facts and news releases
Facts and News releases
As the only organization devoted entirely to the fight against prostate cancer, PROCURE has become a privileged source of information for the media, health networks and the general public.
Launch of our new PROCURE Webinars – April 26, 2018
Four Quebec business leaders join PROCURE in the fight against prostate cancer this November – October 21, 2015
21 Quebec celebrities join forces with PROCURE this November to fight prostate cancer – October 21, 2015
Maripier Morin and Kim Rusk join the group of 21 celebrities who will help PROCURE – October 21, 2015
Charles Hamelin joins the Impact, the Alouettes and the Canadiens Alumni to support PROCURE – October 21, 2015
PROCURE announces the affiliation of the Brome-Missisquoi region as its first registered Prostate Cancer Support Group – January 20, 2014
PROCURE continues in 2014 to expand its Prostate Cancer Support Network for men diagnosed with prostate cancer – January 13, 2014
PROCURE and the Cancer Research Society announce a $4.5 million investment to advance prostate cancer research – October 8, 2013
The 7th edition of the PROCURE Walk of Courage – A symbolic year for PROCURE – September 12, 2013
Prostate Cancer Canada and PROCURE team up for Prostate Cancer – August 2, 2011
Jack Layton hosts gala event for Quebec prostate cancer charity – October 21, 2010
PROCURE responds to recent reports about the PSA test for prostate cancer – September 22, 2010
Kick off the fight against prostate cancer with Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay and Yvan Cournoyer – June 17, 2010
Laurent Proulx
President and CEO, PROCURE
Tel.: 514-341-3000
Tol-free: 1-855-899-2873
laurent.proulx@procure.ca
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.
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
