Founding Chairman’s Message
Founding Chairman’s Message
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Our Founding President: Marvyn Kussner
PROCURE traces its origins to the vision of one man, Marvyn Kussner, who not only battled his own prostate cancer but also wanted to establish an organization to inform and support those affected by this disease. Twenty years later, we continue our efforts to advance research in this field and to develop new tools to inform patients and their families.
What I learned from my experience is the urgent need in Québec for better information and coordinated resources for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Awareness, education and information are critical to help combat this distressingly common disease. Statistics indicate that of all cancers, the incidence of prostate cancer is expected to increase the most in the next decade. Given this reality, I personally felt an overwhelming need to do something important and was encouraged and challenged to take positive action by the Department of Urology at the McGill University teaching hospitals.
The McGill Prostate Cancer Fund was established, and quickly recruited to its board a group of concerned and dedicated leaders in our community. After funding a researcher for prostate cancer at the Montreal General Hospital, the Board of Directors determined a need to expand our efforts beyond any one hospital or medical faculty. The board moved effectively and with determination to create PROCURE – a not-for-profit organisation to spearhead the effort to push for excellence in education, treatment and research for prostate cancer in the Province of Québec. Our Alliance now includes representatives from all four of Québec’s medical faculties, namely, the CHUM (Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montréal), MUHC (McGill University Health Centre), CHUS (Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke), and CHUQ (Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec).
PROCURE will successfully undertake many challenges. Our mission is to help prevent and cure prostate cancer by educating the public and by combining top-quality scientific research with compassion and humanity. Specifically, we will establish a web site, information centers, and create a biobank in cooperation with researchers from all of the previously mentioned medical faculties in the province.
I am personally very grateful for the wonderful support from my board members, the leadership and determination of the committee members and the important contributions of our medical experts.
It is my firm conviction that PROCURE, with the support of our donors, will make a profound difference to the many men and their family members who have to face the ordeal of prostate cancer.
Marvyn Kussner*
*Deceased in June 2013
Other pages that might interest you
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.
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!
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.
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.
Sources and references
Last medical and editorial review: April 2024. See our web page validation committee and our collaborators by clicking here.
