PCSC Program Modules
Introduction to Prostate Cancer and Primary Treatment Options
Managing the Impact of Prostate Cancer Treatments on Sexual Function and Intimacy
Exercise for Prostate Cancer Patients
There are multiple options for the primary treatment of prostate cancer.
This is a 2-hour group education session for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. Partners and family members are also welcome. This session is jointly presented by a urologist and a radiation oncologist who discuss diagnosis, treatment options, and side effects of prostate cancer treatment.
Living with prostate cancer can affect many aspects of a person’s life including sexuality, sexual functioning and personal relationships.To help adapt to these changes, prostate cancer patients and their partners may need to adjust their sexual expectations and activities.
For these reasons we provide a 1.5-hour group education session to help newly diagnosed or newly treated men and their partners learn about strategies to manage sexual side effects, and to ask questions. One-on-one clinical appointments* with our Sexual Health Clinician are also available as part of this module.
*physician referral required
We offer a one-on-one exercise clinic with an Exercise Physiologist. The clinic includes a mandatory 1.5 hour group education session. The goal is to increase physical activity levels and improve overall health by supporting long-term behavioral changes. Men will be seen within 4 weeks of attending the group session for a 45 minute appointment, and then again at 3, 6, and 12 months. During the initial visit, body measurements will be taken and an assessment made of current exercise levels against national recommendations. Exercise options and differing exercise programs will be discussed and exercise-based goals will be set.
Recognition & Management of Treatment Related Side Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Bladder and Bowel Concerns
Counselling Services
Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is a type of treatment for prostate cancer. Since ADT reduces a man’s testosterone, it causes a range of physical and psychological side effects. Being able to recognize and control the side effects proactively is the best way to avoid long term problems with ADT.
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. The session explains how ADT works and presents all the possible side effects and how you can manage them. We also offer one-on-one clinical appointments for those who would like a more individualized discussion.
Urinary incontinence (UI), or urgency can occur following prostate cancer treatment. We hold a 1.5-hour group education session each month, held by a Registered Physiotherapist with special training in male pelvic floor, to help you understand what can be done to reduce the effects of surgery and radiation therapy on urinary function.
Patients who are experiencing urgency or incontinence 12-weeks following surgery can also schedule one-on-one clinical appointments with our pelvic floor physiotherapist. During these appointments, patients will learn how to contract the pelvic floor to help improve urinary control, as well as other techniques to manage urgency.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious after a diagnosis of cancer. Between 35-45% of all cancer patients will experience significant anxiety or depression at some point along their cancer journey. Studies have found that family members and loved ones of prostate cancer patients may also experience significant distress as a result of diagnosis.
Counselling may support those who otherwise suffer in silence. We offer complimentary private, confidential clinical appointments for prostate cancer patients and their spouses/partners with our clinical counselor.
Metastatic Disease Management
Nutrition Advice for Prostate Cancer Patients
This 1.5 hour group education session is for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The topics include an overview and treatment options for both types of metastatic disease: hormone sensitive and castrate resistant.
There is a wealth of dietary information available on the internet and in the news. However, it can be confusing and even contradictory. What should you eat? What should you avoid? What supplements should you take, if any? Which diet should you follow?
You will learn which diet and dietary supplements may:
- Lower the risk of cancer progression.
- Help to mitigate side effects of treatment (i.e. bone and muscle loss, etc.).
- Be optimal for managing common problems related to prostate cancer treatment.
We offer a 1.5-hour group education session and clinical appointments for all patients with prostate cancer. Partners and family members are also welcome. These sessions/appointments are led by a Registered Dietitian (RD).
If you are interested in attending a module, please contact the PCSC Program Coordinator at 604-875-4485 or pcsc@vch.ca, or please complete the intake form via the link below.
CONTACT
pcsc@vch.ca | 604-875-4485 | 844-483-1449 (toll-free)
