Employer and co-workers
Our support program
Services and tools for you and your employees.
This program was created to raise awareness about prostate cancer and to offer you and your employees support and services when the disease affects the workplace.
When an employee is suffering from cancer, the company plays a key role. This program, provided free of charge by PROCURE, will allow all your employees, managers or superiors to have a better understanding of prostate cancer, to be better equipped to face it and to learn about the resources available to them.
For who?
- Employers, superiors, managers, employees, colleagues and life partners
Why a support program? To…
- Understand the impact of illness on workplace
- Give you tools and knowledge to help a suffering employee
- Educate your employees to risk factors and prevention
- Offer confidential help to your employees
- Offer information activities
- Refer you to additional resources
BOOK YOUR INFORMATION SESSION!
Do it as these employers and enjoy our services
Discussed subjects
- Topo on Prostate Cancer (prevalence)
- Risk factors
- Prevention factors
- Screening
- Support to a colleague
Duration and operation
- The duration may vary according to the needs – 20, 30, 45 min or 1h (max.)
- On site or remotely via Webex or Google Meet
- Minimum 3 weeks notice before the session
- Requires 2 weeks prior to the session for internal promotion* and registration
BOOK YOUR INFORMATION SESSION!
When cancer strikes
When an employee suffers from cancer, their boss plays a key role. Both the employer and employee can benefit from identifying the needs of the sick employee and effectively managing work‑related challenges. As an employer, you have an important role to play.
The truth is that understanding the disease combined with one of your employees announcing that they have cancer can be as destabilizing for you as it is for your employee. In fact, your employee is probably mortified by the idea of telling you, not to mention, he is probably still reeling from the news he was just hit with. Imagine his state of mind. Imagine the whole range of emotions, worries, and concerns running through their head and in the heads of their partner, family… and, not to mention you. It’s a tough blow.
To help you, here’s what you need to know when one of your employees makes the announcement. Know that you are not alone. We are here for you at 1 855 899-2873.
Communication
Let your employee choose the meeting time. If you feel like he lacks the courage to come talk to you, take the initiative.
- Pay attention and let the employee know that you will not necessarily have the answer or
solution to everything. Allow time for reflection if necessary. - Ask questions and watch your employee’s reaction. If he is uncomfortable answering, do not
insist. - Let them know you are at their disposal.
- If your employee is taking sick leave, see whether or not he wishes to be informed about work.
- Never mention an employee’s state of heath without permission.
If the employee with cancer wishes to speak openly about his situation with the team, discuss it with the team to figure out the best time.
Your Support
Be flexible with your employee. Let him change his work hours if necessary. He may have medical appointments or may need to reduce his work hours.
- If the employee wishes to continue working during his treatment, try to adjust his workload as
needed. - Many patients would like to benefit from time off for medical reasons (therapeutic part‑time
work). See if you can offer your employee this opportunity when he returns.
Managing emotions
Hearing that someone has cancer has an emotional impact, not only on the person affected but also on their co‑workers and employer. In this situation, it is necessary to be patient and understanding. Beware of negative behaviours from the team.
- Ensure that relationships are as normal and balanced as possible and encourage good
communication between the sick employee and his colleagues. - Show interest in your employee’s concerns.
Understanding the importance of work
For various reasons, it is important for most people with cancer to be able to continue working.
- Work may represent a type of “normal” routine for them
- Work may give them a sense of “control”
- For financial reasons, the employee cannot afford to lose his job.
Work atmosphere
An employee with cancer may also affect other employees. The latter may be upset and not know how to react. Employees may also feel pressure because the absences of a sick colleague may lead to an increase in their workload.
- Discuss the situation with your team and ask your employees if they are able to handle the
extra work in the absence of their sick co‑worker. - In this special situation, do you have the ability to reduce the team’s workload? To ask the
question is to answer it.
Care trajectory and work reintegration
Have you never had to deal with an employee with cancer? We have provided you with a guide of your responsibilities as an employer—from understanding the concerns of your employees to the roles of your executives, managers, or human resources department. And remember, you are not alone. We are here for you at 1 855 899-2873.
Cancer is different for everyone
- Some needs, such as empathy, are very common in patients.
- The need for communication with the company can vary greatly from one person to the next.
- Do not forget that each person, supervisor or co‑worker, reacts differently to illness.
- Often, behind a patient there is a caregiver. Do not forget this!
Concerns of your employees and their loved ones
- Financial situation (difficulties)
- Physical and psychological consequences
- Return to and retention in the labour market
- Ongoing functional limitations
- Permanent disability for an undetermined period
We have identified three stages to guide you
Stage 1 – Diagnosis, the announcement of cancer, and your role
“When I told people about my cancer, I was afraid of how they would react and I felt guilty for dropping the workload on my colleagues. I need to be reassured, supported, and heard.”
Supervisor and co‑workers
- Take the time to think about the situation
- Seek advice from HR if necessary
- Empathy = support and listening
- Respecting his wishes and privacy: what can be said, to whom, and how
Supervisor and HR
- Reassure the employee of their place in the company
- Adopt a common strategy to manage the situation with HR to avoid confusion
PROCURE support
- Check out PROCURE and call 1 855 899-2873
- Book a confidential meeting with one of our in‑house nurses specializing in uro‑oncology
Stage 2 – Cancer treatments and your role
“While I am away I still need to be reassured. I appreciate getting news and the fact that I am still considered to be an employee. Being able to continue working helps me maintain a professional identity and social ties.”
HR, supervisor, and co‑workers
- Getting news in a coordinated manner
- Maintaining the link between employee and company
- Relieving some of his workload by sharing some of the work with his colleagues or with his
replacement - Maintaining clear communication about the situation (work is not an obligation)
If the employee chooses to work, strike a balance between an empathetic and normal attitude. Having some flexibility in dealing with unforeseen issues and meeting for periodic assessments could help.
Stage 3 – Professional reintegration
“When I get back, I need to see that my company has prepared for my gradual return. I would appreciate a welcome‑back meeting on my first day. It is also important to me that people understand that some symptoms like fatigue and anxiety can persist long after treatment is complete.”
HR and supervisor
- Allow for a gradual return to work.
- Organize a welcome‑back meeting—show that you are interested in their well‑being.
- Keep in mind that the employee could be prone to fatigue and possible anxiety for a while.
- Offer a flexible work schedule if possible.
- Talk to the person if you notice that he is overcome with fear, both physically and mentally,
of being discriminated against and/or of losing his job. - Schedule meetings for periodic assessments.
- Be as understanding as possible of changes in attitude towards work and show flexibility
- Emphasize the balance between empathetic and normal attitudes.
Even if the treatment is over, there may be other issues that need to be addressed such as adapting to long‑term side effects, marital life, and long‑term plans. The family doctor, health professionals, you, and your employer, play a key role in the care of patients and their reintegration into the workplace.
Our corporate program can bring you the same support as our health professionals.
Customize these visuals with your company logo
For any request info@procure.ca
- Web banners | 728px X 90px
- Social media posts: Vertical | 300px X
600px - Facebook, LinkedIn | 600px X 250px
- Instagram | 300px X 250px
- Posters
- Brochures
Needs
Ours
- Have a date confirmation from you, at least 3 weeks before the
session - This way, we can create and prepare all visuals and other promotional
material - Get all the important information
- Schedule (time and date), desired language (English or French), attendee number,
location, desired session type (live on site or online via Webex or Google Meet) - Know your needs in terms of technical equipment
- Microphone, screen, speaker, etc.
Yours
- Allow about 2 weeks of in-house promotion (useful for registration)
- That’s all! We will take care of the rest.
Costs
NONE! Our support program is completely free and is a turnkey offer.
At PROCURE, awareness and support are at the heart of our organization and that’s why every opportunity to be heard is important
This completely free program for organizations is an initiative that allows us to communicate our messages and raise the awareness of as many people as possible.
Benefits
Employees
- Relevant information about prostate cancer (symptoms, illness and health)
- The entire Support Offer available to men and their families
- Information material available on site and online at all times
- Newsletter, news and more
Employers
- Employers Guide – all about the support of a colleague/employee who
has been diagnosed - Everything employees going to get
For the company
- Good visibility and positive image towards society and new candidates
- Simple way to have an innovative and original image
- Free and easy involvement in a cause that deserves to be heard
- A social positive impact
- Free support offered to an employee
- Good visibility in the large PROCURE network
In return for all this, we would like you to participate by publishing and sharing on your different platforms:
- The information session in your establishment.
- Our different fundraising events and campaing
- (see all our events: https://procuro.ca/en/events/ )
- Again, that’s all!
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
Employer and co-workers
Employer and co-workers
Employer and co-workers
In this section, we address employers and explore how they can support employees facing prostate cancer while raising awareness about this disease. We discuss best practices for providing a supportive work environment, meeting the specific needs of employees with cancer, and promoting their successful return to work after treatment.
Our corporate program can provide you with support along with our healthcare professionals.
Services and tools for you and your employees
Every day, 18 Quebecers receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer. They are fathers, brothers, spouses, friends, teammates, colleagues… Our corporate program is designed to inform and raise awareness among your employees about the symptoms, risks, and prevention methods of prostate cancer. It also aims to assist the employer in better managing the impacts of this disease.
When an employee is suffering from cancer, the company plays a key role. This program, offered free of charge by PROCURE, will enable all your employees, managers, or supervisors to have a better understanding of prostate cancer, to be better equipped to face it, and to learn more about the resources available to them.
Three options for awareness and information for your company
- Prostate cancer information session at the workplace
- Distribution of information to employees – PROCURE’s patient newsletter, our information brochures, promotion of our support line
- On-site and/or teleconference consulting service for the employer
RESERVE YOUR INFORMATION SESSION!
How to take advantage of our program?
Prostate cancer in brief
- Most common among men
- Affects men aged 50 and over mostly
- Affects men aged 45 and over if there are risk factors
- Increasing among younger men (20 to 40 years old)
- No symptoms at the beginning
- Curable when detected early versus 30% survival if metastasized
Opt for the free information session
For many men, prostate cancer is still a taboo disease. Our information sessions will allow your employees and you, the employer, to better understand and demystify aspects of this disease. We can adapt and personalize the information session according to your needs: duration, location, and content.
Topics covered
- Role of the prostate and related diseases
- Risk factors and prevention of cancer
- When and why to screen
Duration and operation
- Variable duration according to needs (30 minutes to 1 hour)
- On-site or remote
- Plan for 3 weeks of promotion (materials provided)
Benefits
For your employees – Recognition:
- Risk factors
- Behaviors to adopt to help prevent it
- Importance of healthy health management
- Why and when to screen
For your company:
- Positive social impact
- Employer who cares about the health of its employees, supported by PROCURE’s offer of services and support
- Initiative that can be part of the health and well-being strategy and/or employee retention strategy
Financially
- Economic impact on your insurance based on early or late screening and treatments. E.g.:
- Active surveillance = Absenteeism 1 day every 3 months
- Standard Surgery and Radiotherapy = 6 to 12 weeks of recovery
- Standard Hormone Therapy (HT) = $4,500 annually
- HT @ New Generation Hormone Therapy (NGHT) = $50,000/year
When an employee suffers from cancer, their superior plays a key role. Both parties, the employer and the employee, can benefit from identifying the needs of the sick employee and effectively managing the challenges related to their position. Therefore, you have a crucial role to play as an employer.
The truth is that understanding the disease and dealing with the news of a cancer diagnosis in one of our employees can be as destabilizing for you as it is for your employee. In fact, your employee is probably mortified at the thought of telling you, not yet processing the blow they’ve just received. Imagine their emotions and the range of feelings, worries, and concerns rushing through their mind, their partner’s mind, within their family… and, not forgetting, within yours. It’s a tough blow.
To assist you, here’s a brief overview of what to consider when one of our employees informs us of their diagnosis. And know that you are not alone. We are here for you at 1-855-899-2873.
Communication
Let your employee choose the timing of the conversation. If you feel they’re hesitant to approach you, you can take the initiative.
- Be attentive and make it clear to the employee that you may not have all the answers or solutions at hand. Allow yourself time for reflection if needed.
- Ask questions and observe your employee’s reaction. If they’re uncomfortable answering, don’t press.
- Let them know that you’re available as a listener.
- If your employee is on sick leave, discuss with them whether they want to stay informed about work or prefer not to be.
- Never discuss an employee’s health status without their permission.
If the employee with cancer wants to openly discuss their situation within the team, discuss with the team the best timing.
Your support
Be flexible with your employee. Allow them to modify their working hours if necessary. They may have medical appointments or need to reduce their hours.
- If the employee wants to continue working during their treatment, try to adjust their workload as needed.
- Many patients would like to take advantage of a part-time therapeutic schedule. See if you can offer this option to your employee upon their return.
Emotions to manage
The announcement of cancer can have emotional repercussions on the affected person, as well as on their colleagues and on you as the employer. Although patience and empathy are appropriate in this situation, be mindful of any negative behavior within the team.
- Ensure that relationships are as normal and balanced as possible and encourage good communication between the sick employee and their colleagues.
- Also, show interest in your employees’ concerns.
Understanding the importance of work
For various reasons, it is important for most people with cancer to be able to continue working.
- Work can provide a sense of routine or a bit of “normalcy” for them.
- Work can also give them a sense of “control.”
- For financial reasons, the employee cannot afford to lose their job.
Work climate among colleagues
An employee with cancer can also have an impact on other employees. They may be upset and unsure how to react. They may also feel pressure due to the absences of the sick colleague, which result in an increase in their workload.
- Discuss the situation with your team and ask your employees if they can handle the extra workload due to the sick colleague’s absences.
- Faced with this exceptional situation, do you have the opportunity to take measures to reduce the workload within the team? Asking the question is answering it.
Have you never had to deal with an employee with cancer? We have provided you with a guide of your responsibilities as an employer—from understanding the concerns of your employees to the roles of your executives, managers, or human resources department. And remember, you are not alone. We are here for you at 1-855-899-2873.
Cancer is different for everyone
- Some needs, such as empathy, are very common in patients.
- The need for communication with the company can vary greatly from one person to the next.
- Do not forget that each person, supervisor or co‑worker, reacts differently to illness.
- Often, behind a patient there is a caregiver. Do not forget this!
Concerns of your employees and their loved ones
- Financial situation (difficulties)
- Physical and psychological consequences
- Return to and retention in the labour market
- Ongoing functional limitations
- Permanent disability for an undetermined period
We have identified three stages to guide you
Stage 1 – Diagnosis, the announcement of cancer, and your role
“When I told people about my cancer, I was afraid of how they would react and I felt guilty for dropping the workload on my colleagues. I need to be reassured, supported, and heard.”
Supervisor and co‑workers
- Take the time to think about the situation
- Seek advice from HR if necessary
- Empathy = support and listening
- Respecting his wishes and privacy: what can be said, to whom, and how
Supervisor and HR
- Reassure the employee of their place in the company
- Adopt a common strategy to manage the situation with HR to avoid confusion
PROCURE support
- Check out PROCURE and call 1 855 899-2873
- Book a confidential meeting with one of our in‑house nurses specializing in uro‑oncology
Stage 2 – Cancer treatments and your role
“While I am away I still need to be reassured. I appreciate getting news and the fact that I am still considered to be an employee. Being able to continue working helps me maintain a professional identity and social ties.”
HR, supervisor, and co‑workers
- Getting news in a coordinated manner
- Maintaining the link between employee and company
- Relieving some of his workload by sharing some of the work with his colleagues or with his replacement
- Maintaining clear communication about the situation (work is not an obligation)
If the employee chooses to work, strike a balance between an empathetic and normal attitude. Having some flexibility in dealing with unforeseen medical issues and meeting for periodic assessments could help.
Stage 3 – Professional reintegration
“When I get back, I need to see that my company has prepared for my gradual return. I would appreciate a welcome‑back meeting on my first day. It is also important to me that people understand that some symptoms like fatigue and anxiety can persist long after treatment is complete.”
HR and supervisor
- Allow for a gradual return to work.
- Organize a welcome‑back meeting—show that you are interested in their well‑being.
- Keep in mind that the employee could be prone to fatigue and possible anxiety for a while.
- Offer a flexible work schedule if possible.
- Talk to the person if you notice that he is overcome with fear, both physically and mentally, of being discriminated against and/or of losing his job.
- Schedule meetings for periodic assessments.
- Be as understanding as possible of changes in attitude towards work and show flexibility
- Emphasize the balance between empathetic and normal attitudes.
Even if the treatment is over, there may be other issues that need to be addressed such as adapting to long‑term side effects, marital life, and long‑term plans. The family doctor, health professionals, you, and your employer, play a key role in the care of patients and their reintegration into the workplace.
Make your request to: Anthony Lamour | Director of Partnerships and Development
anthony.lamour@procure.ca
T: 514 341-3000 or toll-free at 1 855-899-2873
Join these employers and take advantage of our corporate information sessions
Did you know that we can customize our visuals to match your company’s image?
Make your request at info@procure.ca
T: 514 341-3000 or toll-free at 1 855-899-2873
- Web banners | 728px X 90px
- Social media posts: Vertical | 300px X 600px
- Facebook, LinkedIn | 600px X 250px
- Instagram | 300px X 250px
- Posters, cards
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
