Unique Prostate Cancer Partnership Formed from Movember Funding
Most of us have heard of Movember and noticed the abundance of mustaches growing at the end of the year, but what happens to funds raised during this charity campaign? A faculty member in the College of Nursing can speak to the impact of funds raised, as she is part of a newly formed network, as a result of Movember funding.
A Survivorship Action Partnership (ASAP) network, led by Prostate Cancer Canada and funded by Movember, is the first of its kind on the Canadian cancer landscape and consists of health care representatives who interact regularly with prostate cancer survivors and their friends, families and caregivers. The group is made up of delegates representing 19 clinical, community and academic institutions from across the country, including College of Nursing faculty member Dr. Joyce Davison.
Recently, this group participated in a workshop to share ideas and experiences and focus on how to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right place, by the right individual for those diagnosed with prostate cancer. It's about what happens after a patient hears those words: You have prostate cancer - and how to offer support and education programs to help everyone touched by the diagnosis and the decisions, actions and outcomes that follow. Survivors and non-medical members of the public also participated in the workshop, providing insight and advice.
"The hard-earned funds of Canadian Mo Bros and Mo Sistas is what makes this program possible," says Pete Bombaci National Director, Movember Canada. "For the first time ever, experts from across Canada were working together with prostate cancer survivors and caregivers to work on solutions that will improve the quality of life for those affected by prostate cancer."
"This initiative will develop a survivorship plan for men diagnosed and living with prostate cancer," said College of Nursing faculty member Dr. Joyce Davison. "Over the next three years, this group of researchers will work towards developing an evidence based national survivorship strategy for these men and their partners. I am honoured to be a member of this network of researchers."
"The important thing is that we are helping survivors and their circle of care live their best possible lives," says Maureen Rowlands, Director of Support Services at Prostate Cancer Canada.
About Dr. Joyce Davison
About Prostate Cancer Canada
Prostate Cancer Canada raises funds for the development of programs related to awareness and public education, advocacy, support of those affected and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer. Information on ASAP's progress will continue to flow through Prostate Cancer Canada's website.
For more information visit www.prostatecancer.ca.
About Movember
During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men's faces, in Canada and around the world. With their Mo's, these Mo Bros and supporting Mo Sistas, raise vital funds and awareness for men's health issues. Since its inception as a charity event in 2004, over 2 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have raised over $300 M for its causes with official Movember campaigns taking place in 21 countries.
For more information please visit www.movember.com.