Men with Prostate Cancer Part of Pilot Project

When it comes to cancer, knowledge is power. Nova Scotia men are becoming part of a pilot project aimed at proving just that.

This fall, 20 men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer will receive an information kit from their specialists and be asked to assess its usefulness in coping with their illness.

Called the Reef Knot Project, the kit advises men to tackle the disease positively, and not dwell on wondering what they could have done differently to prevent cancer. It also strongly encourages men to talk about the diagnosis with their friends and family.

Sue Marsh, nurse in the Urology Clinic at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, supports the project.

"Men are surprised at how much confidence it gives them to talk about their disease with people who care about them, even if it is embarrassing at first. It's something we encourage at the clinic," she said.

The information kit contains lists of support groups, background information about prostate cancer, and a magazine aimed at patients. It also includes a personal passport journal for keeping track of questions, answers, test results and making other useful notes. Half the kits will include the book, The Intelligent Patient Guide to Prostate Cancer, while other kits offer the book if requested.

Jack Brill says he feels information like this would have been helpful to him during his disease two years ago.

"I had no symptoms, so to discover during a routine checkup that I had cancer was a terrible shock to me and my family," said Mr. Brill. "Quite frankly, we didn't know where to turn for help beyond what the doctor could give me."

Launched during Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, Sept. 18-24, the kit was designed primarily by men who have had prostate cancer and prostate cancer health professionals. It is a joint project of the Canadian Cancer Society, the QEII Health Sciences Centre, the Halifax Regional Prostate Cancer Support Group Society, the Canadian Prostate Cancer Network, and Cancer Care Nova Scotia.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Please call Susan MacLeod at 902-473-2932 to arrange an interview with Jack Brill or Sue Marsh.