Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is a type of treatment for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer cannot grow or survive without androgens. Testosterone is one of two androgens in the male body.  The goal of ADT is to decrease the levels of androgens or stop them from getting into prostate cancer cells so that it slows the growth of cancer and shrinks the tumor.

Since ADT reduces a man’s testosterone, it causes a range of physical and psychological side effects. These side effects include low libido, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, increased risk for metabolic syndrome, loss of bone density fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and even depression.

This is a 1.5-hour group education session for prostate cancer patients who will be starting on or are already on hormone therapy. Partners and family members are also welcome. 

This session is presented by a medical oncologist from BC Cancer. The session explains how ADT works and presents all the possible side effects and how you can manage them. Being able to recognize and control the side effects proactively is the best way to avoid long term problems with ADT. 

Please visit the “Session Dates” page to see the time/date for the next available ADT education session. If you would like to attend the session, please contact the program coordinator.