September 8th 2009

Us -Too! Brampton General Meeting 
"The Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Cancer Centre -
North York General Hospital" and "Open Forum"

Dr. Michelle Flax & Dr. Stanley Flax

The Terry Miller hall was filled to near capacity with around 65 members,
wives and guests attending as Dr. Michelle Flax & Dr. Stanley Flax
opened our season with this first-of-its kind joint session.
Both doctors have drawn record audiences at our previous meetings.

Dr. Stanley Flax's talk was on the "The Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Cancer Centre
- North York General Hospital" but prior to really getting into it, he shared information
on the new PSa test. Known as PCA3, this new test has been talked about in medical circles
and in the news but this was the first time we received more information about it.

He explained that the PCA3 ( Prostate Cancer Antigen 3) is a Prostate Cancer Gene
that is used to detect prostate cancer. The test relies on relating the ratio of the PCA 3
messenger RNA protein with the PSa protein and from this ratio determining the
risk of prostate cancer.

The PCA3 test is not a blood test but a urine test with a urine sample being taken immediately
following a prostatic massage (similar to a DRE) to release fluid into the urethra.
The fist 20 cc or so are analyzed looking for the DNA protein. Quoting some of the numbers
that have been worked out statistically, ratios greater than 35 indicated a high risk of prostate
cancer while below 35 meant low risk. Insufficient DNA implied the test was inconclusive.

The test provides another tool in the diagnosis of prostate cancer and could be used in many
relevant ways. At the moment the test is not accepted or covered by OHIP but if it gets used
and accepted widely it may hopefully become main stream.

Presenting "The Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Cancer Centre" he mentioned that the centre
has now been operational for over 2 years and currently sees about 2500 patients a year.

Dr. Flax walked the audience through a 'virtual' tour of the dedicated facility as he talked
about its inception, background, staff, the referral process, and the patient resources available.
He also discussed the Center's workings and operations, the panel of Doctors and hospital affiliations.

Citing the the traditional hurdle of 'delay' in getting treatment, he explained how patients had
benefited as result of this dedicated facility where services were integrated efficiently under
one roof. For example Biopsy facilities were available on site and results could be obtained
expediently. This eliminated patient wait time, significantly speeding up the process
from 'referral' to 'diagnosis' to 'treatment'. Thus the main push behind the center has
been to give priority to Cancer patients which he felt was a major step forward. Future
directions lay in customized treatment options and on prevention.

Dr. Michelle Flax followed up with her talk discussing the Emotional and Psychological impacts
of the diagnosis of Prostate Cancer. She praised the Chapter's work in providing the needed
support, describing what we were doing as really 'Phenomenal' and making a difference where it mattered
most. She talked about the many types of stresses a diagnosis of cancer can bring - the uncertainties,
the sense of frailty and vulnerability, the anger and the depression. She spoke on aspects
of spousal and family support and touched upon many of the the coping strategies to prevent
falling into a negative cycle. Michelle has offered to recommend us to many programs designed to
help members, spouses and families cope with this chronic stress. In her closing remarks she
encouraged living in the present and advised the use all of the resources
available to live as fully as possible.

Dr. Michelle Flax would really like to hear from members spouses and understand their
perspective and feelings about the impacts of prostate cancer on their marriage and lives.
There has been a gap in this area and spouses feedback can help build better programs to
serve their needs better. Many of you have asked for her email address and here it is:
michelleflax@rogers.com

Following the talks there was "Open Forum" to answer medical and psychological questions
about prostate cancer with the doctors participating as a 'panel' and addressing audience
queries from both a medical and emotional perspective.

First to be addressed were Questions received by email followed by questions from the audience.
Members who submitted the email questions and wish to review the responses can listen to the
Audio Recordings (Q&A ) of this session.

In concluding the evening Jim Dorsey made announcements regarding the upcoming
'Cruisin' For A Cure Canada' event scheduled Sep 13. He elaborated on many of the
improvements, added features and attractions of the show that would make it much more
enjoyable, on a bigger scale than before and appealing to a wider age group.

About Dr. Stanley Flax:
Dr. Stanley Flax is a long standing member favorite and a strong supporter
of Us-Too! Brampton. He has lectured worldwide and is a renowned
leader in technology with special interests in minimally invasive
surgery, practicing both adult and pediatric urology.

About Dr. Michelle Flax
Dr. Michelle Flax is a Clinical Psychologist in Private practice in Toronto for the past 22 years.
She Teaches at the Toronto Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis. Her Major
area of interest is in relationships of significance; writing and speaking about the relationship
between patient and therapist. She is focused jointly with Dr. Stanley Flax on a program
she has created to help those diagnosed with prostate cancer.

AUDIO & SLIDES DOWNLOADS

AUDIO:

Track 01: The Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Cancer Center - Talk
 

Track 02: Psychological and emotional impacts of Prostate Cancer and Coping strategies
 

Track 03: Open Forum - Question and Answer Session

SLIDES:

The Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Cancer Center - Presentation Slides
 

This was our first such joint session ever and certainly appreciated by one and all.
Our sincere thanks to Dr. Michelle Flax and Dr .Stanley Flax for a
very informative and thoroughly enjoyable evening.
We hope we can have a repeat joint session in the future.