For Immediate Release
June 3, 2014
Ministry of Health

VICTORIA – The Province is providing $1 million to Vancouver General Hospital and VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to support men’s health through the Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program, which helps extend the lives of prostate cancer patients.

“The good news is that the average life expectancy of men diagnosed with prostate cancer has increased significantly in the past three decades,” said Health Minister Terry Lake who made the announcement at the official launch of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation in Ottawa. “But battling the disease takes a tremendous toll on patients and their families. This program will help them access support and services to improve their quality of life and guide them through the process of managing their care.”

The Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program is being developed by the Vancouver Prostate Centre and will include six modules that, once completed, will be distributed to centres across the province in order to benefit the greatest number of men and families. The goals of the program include support for treatment decision, improved quality of life, reducing cost per patient and improving long-term health outcomes for patients.

“We have come a long way in the treatment of prostate with more men getting diagnosed early and living longer than ever before,” said Dr. Larry Goldenberg, director of development and supportive care at the Vancouver Prostate Centre and founder and chairman of the board of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation. “With more patients living longer, we now have a greater responsibility to help them and their families’ access services and information that will ensure they are living cancer-free for longer.”

This funding provides more support for men’s health in British Columbia. In April, 2013, the Ministry of Health announced $5 million to help develop research and health promotion that supports the well-being of men and their families.

The Vancouver Prostate Centre is a world-class cancer facility and a national centre of excellence providing clinical care for thousands of men in British Columbia. The combination of a large patient clinic and research facility make them the largest program of its kind in Canada.

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is a national, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire Canadian men to live healthier lives. The organization is founded by Dr. Larry Goldenberg, recipient of the Order of Canada.

Learn more:
To learn more about the Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program, please visit: http://www.prostatecentre.com/

For more information on men’s health and the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, visit: http://www.canadianmhf.com/home.html

Media Contacts:
Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)