UbcNews

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you're likely flooded with emotions, unanswered questions, and uncertainty about the road ahead.

Take a deep breath. Support is here.

PROSTAID Calgary offers free monthly meetings to educate and empower prostate cancer warriors and their loved ones.

Meetings include special groups for advanced cancer patients and caregivers. Attend to connect with others, gain insights from medical experts, and build your knowledge and emotional resilience for the prostate cancer journey.

To find meeting dates and resources, click on the link in the description.

Let's start with a sobering fact: prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men. According to medical publications by the Canadian government, 1 in 8 men will face this diagnosis at some point in their lifetime.

Despite how widespread this disease is, many men lack access to crucial informational and emotional support systems after their diagnosis. This gap in care takes a real toll. Men without adequate support face higher risks of:

Anxiety and depression. Difficulty coping with treatment side effects. Lower adherence to necessary treatments.

The mental and physical implications are real. And this is exactly why non-profits like PROSTAID Calgary exist—to provide real help to those facing prostate cancer.

While prostate cancer might be a lonely diagnosis, it doesn't need to stay that way. PROSTAID Calgary provides in-person and virtual monthly meetings free of charge.

Anyone affected by prostate cancer can attend, including:

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer at any stage. Caregivers of those with prostate cancer. Family members and friends.

By meeting others walking a similar path, you can find reassurance, advice, and hope.

Imagine having direct access to top medical minds in prostate cancer research and treatment each month—for free. PROSTAID Calgary meetings deliver exactly that.

Their monthly meetings feature guest speakers across every specialty area related to prostate cancer.

In PROSTAID's most recent meeting, attendees met Dr. John Lewis, a recent recipient of their 2023 Pathfinder Award for advancing research around tumor metastasis.

Here, you have the chance to:

Learn about emerging topics and treatment methods from the foremost experts. Discuss the newest research and clinical trial options. Ask burning questions relevant to your or your loved one's case.

In addition to the wealth of medical knowledge, meetings also incorporate open sharing and discussion around personal prostate cancer journeys. By connecting with peers walking a similar road, you build community and emotional strength for the path ahead.

In addition to monthly meetings covering critical prostate cancer topics, PROSTAID Calgary now hosts specialized groups.

The Warriors Group: For those facing late-stage or advanced prostate cancer diagnoses. Meet others facing issues like aggressive tumors, metastasis, and reduced treatment options.

Discussions cover topics like:

Available treatment plans for difficult casesDiscussing prognosis challenges. Enrolling in new clinical trials. Coping with emotional hurdles facing late-stage patients.

The Caregivers Group: For supporters of prostate cancer patients managing the disease. This group connects caregivers, family members, and loved ones for open talks like:

Processing the life changes stemming from a loved one's diagnosis. Navigating emotional hurdles and anxiety as a supporter. Exploring how best to boost morale and nurture patients along the road.

By meeting with people in similar secondary roles as patients, you gain insight into building your own resilience and show up as the best possible support system.

With over 30 years serving Calgary, PROSTAID understands the void that remains around informational and emotional support after a prostate cancer diagnosis. They aim to fill the gaps through monthly education for patients and caregivers delivered by renowned medical minds.

Brad Sterling, President of PROSTAID Calgary, says it best regarding their mission:

"By sharing our experiences with our own cancer, we lift our spirits and strengthen our resolve to fight for quality of life and a cure.”

At its core, this group works to establish a sense of community for those affected by prostate cancer. Their meetings educate minds, lift spirits, and empower collective resolve to keep living fully despite the challenges of prostate cancer.

You can begin your journey of healing by attending their free sessions either virtually or in Calgary. Click on the link in the description for full details on signing up and attending. Prostaid Calgary City: Calgary Address: 1600 90 Avenue Southwest Website https://prostaid.org/ Phone +1 403 455 1916 Email program.director@prostaid.org