Movember is Making a Difference: Study Suggests Treatment for Prostate Cancer

By Charlotte Bumstead

Last year the Canadian Movember community raised $22 million for prostate cancer research. Scientists have expressed how the vivid energies of Mo-devotees are bringing forth possibilities for vast developments in the search for an effective treatment. A study led by the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG) at Queen’s University offers a glimpse at their progressive findings. Results indicate men with high-risk prostate cancer who receive a combination of radiation and hormone therapy live longer and are less likely to die from the disease.

The study involved 1,205 men who were randomly selected to investigate the appropriate treatment for high-risk prostate cancer over the duration of seven years. Half of the participants were given hormone therapy alone, while the other half received hormone therapy plus radiation. In the end, 66 per cent of the men who accepted hormone therapy only were still alive, versus 74 per cent of those who received the combined therapy. Among those in the hormone-only group, 26 per cent died from their prostate cancer, in comparison to 10 per cent of those given hormone therapy plus radiation.

“These are significant findings,” says Wendy Parulekar, associate professor of oncology and a senior author of the study. “The results of the study refute the standard notion of using hormone therapy only for locally advanced prostate cancer. Currently available treatment options can be combined to improve the chances for men with high-risk prostate cancer.”

As many recall, during this time last year Canadians were admiring the perfectly groomed growth of renowned moustache master Jack Layton, who was also an avid champion to the cause. Now, MoSupporters have an opportunity to give back on behalf of Jack. Volunteers have initiated an online network dedicated to honouring Mr. Layton, with a total of $28,566 raised at the time this article was published. To get involved with Movember For Jack you can donate to the campaign, or visit the event website and volunteer.

Throughout the year of 2010, Canada had nearly 119,000 residents participating in the Movember crusade, and we almost tripled the sum raised in 2009. Considering the awareness of this campaign continues to grow as rapidly as the upper lip décor of our male partakers, an even greater outcome is predicted for 2011.