PROCURE en parle (diffusion en français)
PROCURE EN PARLE
A monthly appointment, live and specially designed for you.
Every month, our experts review all the issues that concern you. A moment of mutual aid and exchange for people suffering from prostate cancer. Ask us all your questions at info@procure.ca, our experts are here for you.
Our next appointment
The current pandemic has turned the course of patient care in oncology upside down. Some medical procedures or follow-up appointments have been postponed and some diagnoses have not been made. For our next PROCURE IN SPEAKING, Dr. Peter Vavassis tells you all the procedures put in place to provide maximum service to patients during COVID time.
All our episodes
Couldn’t make it to the webinar? Missed a crucial moment? Or do you just want to see it again? Don’t worry, we thought of everything! Below you will find all the episodes of PROCURE EN PARLE with a summary of the main points raised by our experts. If you don’t find the answers to your questions, please feel free to call our nurses on our 7/7 support line at 1 855 899-2873.
COVID-19 and prostate cancer on April 9, 2020 (+)
Take a tour of Quebec’s UHCs and dive into the heart of our community’s concerns while they face the biggest health crisis of our time.
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5 THINGS TO REMEMBER
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- Dr Thierry Lebeau, began his post-secondary education with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at Adelphi University in New York State to pursue his passion for soccer. After graduating from Laval University in Medicine in 2003, he continued his academic career by completing his residency in Urology at the Université de Montréal, which he completed in 2008. Afterwards, he undertook a two-year fellowship in the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital group in Paris. Specializing in robot-assisted surgery, he now operates at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital. He also shares his time as a clinical assistant professor at the Université de Montréal.
- Dr Armen Aprikian MD, studied medicine at the Université de Sherbrooke, where he trained in general surgery. Subsequently, he did his residency in urology at McGill University and continued his postdoctoral training and research on prostate cancer at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Learn more about him.
COVID-19, cancer and anxiety on April 16, 2020 (+)
Tips and tricks to deal in a healthy way with the events surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic and its impact on all cancer victims.
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5 THINGS TO REMEMBER
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- Dr. Marika Audet-Lapointe,, psychologist/neuropsychologist, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Montréal and lecturer. With over ten years of experience in hospital and private practice, she has developed a unique expertise in oncopsychology. She is the founder of the PSYmedicis clinic located in Montreal, specializing in oncopsychology, stress/anxiety and adult neuropsychology. Her clinical approach aims to integrate the latest advances in neuroscience, human stress and third wave cognitive-behavioral therapies. She is particularly interested in the neurocognitive effects of cancer and associated treatments, as well as in the cognitive profiles of dual exceptionalities.
COVID-19, cancer and nutrition April 23, 2020 (+)
The good nutrition reflexes during confinement period.
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5 THINGS TO REMEMBER
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- Dr. Isabelle Huot, PhD in nutrition. Her field of expertise, nutritional epidemiology, gives her an expertise that is unique in Quebec. She studied in Lausanne, Geneva and London. She subsequently became coordinator of an international research project involving Belgium, Switzerland, France and Tunisia. She has also participated in several international congresses in the field of nutrition and preventive medicine.
COVID-19 and physical health April 30, 2020 (+)
Discover the best tips to keep you in shape during confinement.
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5 THINGS TO REMEMBER
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- Nathalie Lambert, 1992 Olympic Speed Skating Champion and Director of Sports Programs and Communications at Club Sportif MAA. More than 20 years of varied experience in communications and media, mainly in the sports and fitness sector. Columnist, host, analyst, descriptor and spokesperson for various events.
COVID-19, cancer and sexual health May 7, 2020 (+)
Everything you need to know to regain a satisfying sexuality.
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5 THINGS TO REMEMBER
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- Sharon Dugré, clinical sexologist and psychotherapist at CHU Québec. Her goal is above all to “help people help themselves” to maintain, rediscover or discover a fulfilling sexuality and intimacy, especially in the face of cancer and its treatments!
Her specializations are:- Intimacy / Communication / Seduction
- Marital or love difficulties
- Menopause / Andropause
- Body Image and Sexual Self-Esteem / Sexual Fulfillment
- Gynaecological / Urological Disorder
- Disorder of sexual desire / sexual arousal / erection / ejaculation / orgasm
- Dyspareunia / Vaginism
Related issues:- Cancers / Chronic Diseases
COVID-19, cancer and sleep May 14, 2020 (+)
All you need to know to establish a good sleep routine
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5 THINGS TO REMEMBER
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- Dr. Josée Savard, is a regular researcher at the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, a full professor at Laval University’s School of Psychology, and a researcher at Laval University’s Cancer Research Centre. She is a member of the Michel-Sarrazin Research Team in Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (ERMOS). She is also co-responsible for the Symptom Management and Quality of Life Optimization Axis of the Palliative and End-of-Life Care Research Network funded by the FRQS (2017-2021).
Men’s Health: Heart Disease May 28, 2020 (+)
Cardiovascular or coronary heart disease is the second leading cause of death in men after cancer. Beyond healthy lifestyle habits, cardiovascular disease is also influenced by risk factors. Find out more about these risk factors.
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5 THINGS TO REMEMBER
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EXPERT
- Dr Jean C. Grégoire, received his MD from the Université de Montréal in 1985. He completed his residency in internal medicine and cardiology in 1990 at the same university. He then trained in interventional cardiology at the Quebec Heart Institute, followed by two years of study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.He is an associate professor at the Université de Montréal and works in the interventional cardiology department, coronary care unit and clinical research at the Montreal Heart Institute. He is the author of several scientific publications and is co-chair of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s Dyslipidemia Guidelines. He is also a member of Hypertension Canada. His main research interests include the role of oxidative stress in atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, novel biomarkers, imaging of atheromatous plaque, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension and acute coronary syndrome.
Advanced prostate cancer June 29, 2020 (+)
Recurrence of prostate cancer: what you need to know!
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- Dr Éric Lévesque, holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Endocrinology, an FRCPC (Fellow of The Royal College of Physicians of Canada) in Hematology-Oncology. A full professor at Laval University, Dr. Lévesque is also a clinician-researcher and Head of Division in Medical Oncology at Laval University, Quebec City.
Nutrition in the Summer Season July 9, 2020 (+)
With the pleasures of summer, a healthy diet can quickly be ruled out although it can help reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
To enjoy summer with serenity, discover the advice of our expert Isabelle Huot to help you maintain good eating habits and improve your overall health.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EXPERT
- Dr. Isabelle Huot, PhD in nutrition. Her field of expertise, nutritional epidemiology, gives her an expertise that is unique in Quebec. She studied in Lausanne, Geneva and London. She subsequently became coordinator of an international research project involving Belgium, Switzerland, France and Tunisia. She has also participated in several international congresses in the field of nutrition and preventive medicine.
Can we prevent an enlarged prostate (BPH)? August 11, 2020 (+)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as enlarged prostate. It is characterized by an increase in the volume of your prostate due to an excessive multiplication of your cells. This increase or expansion can compress your urinary tract (the urethra), causing certain symptoms. Want to know more about this prostate condition? Just watch the video below.
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5 THINGS TO REMEMBER
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EXPERT
- Dr. Malek Meskawi,
PROCURE en parle (diffusion en français)
PROCURE en parle (diffusion en français)
PROCURE EN PARLE
A monthly appointment, live and specially designed for you.
Every month, our experts review all the issues that concern you. A moment of mutual aid and exchange for people suffering from prostate cancer. Ask us all your questions at info@procure.ca, our experts are here for you.
All our episodes on our YouTube channel
Couldn’t make it to the webinar? Missed a crucial moment? Or do you just want to see it again? Don’t worry, we thought of everything! Please view all of our webinars on our YouTube channel. If you don’t find the answers to your questions, please feel free to call our nurses on our 7/7 support line at 1-855-899-2873.
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
