“Prostate Cancer Survivorship: Enjoying Life Beyond Treatment.” Walnut Foundation hosts free annual health conference

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Walnut Foundation has been very busy in the many initiatives, programs and services that they have undertaken since its inception. One of its signature events that they have been running for the past few years is their Annual Health Conference, which will be held on October 28^th, 2023. It will be available online and accessible through the Zoom platform to those who are registered. The theme for the conference will be “Prostate Cancer Survivorship: Enjoying Life Beyond Treatment.”

This year’s conference will bring together leading experts in the world who are knowledgeable in how best to treat prostate cancer and subsequent follow-up. The conference will focus on issues related to the maintenance of health, wellness and well-being of men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are concerned about how best to stay healthy. Issues such as: incontinence, erectile dysfunction, mental and emotional wellness and sexuality and relationships will be front and centre of the conference.

The topics that will be presented are:

• Sexual Health After Prostate Cancer- Dr. Daniela Wittmann and Dr. Andrew Matthew
• The Diet Question Everyone is Asking – Dr. Stacy Loeb
• Overcoming Incontinence – Nelly Fagnani, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
• Exercise as a Component of Living a Quality Life- Dr. Daniel Santa Mina
• How is Movember Tackling Prostate Cancer Survivorship – Dr. Mike Fraser

Anthony Henry, President of The Walnut Foundation states, “This conference aims to equip men and their partners with the tools to ensure better health outcomes pre-diagnosis, while in treatment and post-treatment. Ken Noel, Executive Director of The Walnut Foundation spoke to what he has observed, “Men have suffered in silence after a prostate cancer treatment and this conference is designed to provide the solutions to overcoming the challenges and enjoying life.”

On Saturday, September 30^th, a free prostate cancer testing clinic was offered by the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in partnership with the Walnut Foundation at the TAIBU Community Health Centre. The press release issued on Wednesday September 13^th, 2023, states that this community outreach clinic aims to reduce inequities in health care by providing free PSA testing to men in Black communities who

are at a higher risk of prostate cancer but may lack access to these services. Aside from the free PSA testing the clinic will educate and raise awareness about the inequities and increased risk Black men face in early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

This was the first stop of the PSA: Detect and Protect mobile clinic’s journey across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). There are plans underway for many other community health centres in the GTA to provide free PSA screening in neighbourhoods where there is a high percentage of African-Canadians men who have a higher degree of risk.

The promotional press release outlines the higher risk that Black men are inclined to face. It notes, “Black populations have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and are more likely to see more severe diseases at a younger age. While researchers are continuing to understand why, it is thought that Black men may be genetically predisposed to prostate cancer as well as face social barriers that affect access to health care, PSA: Detect and Protect aims to address these inequalities through outreach, education and action.”

When I arrived at the TAIBU Community Health Centre there were about ten men present in the lobby. There was much camaraderie and friendliness demonstrated by the man as they waited to get their blood drawn for the PSA test. There were free haircuts, free shaves and snacks available for the men to have. In the background, there were 16 clip educational videos being played. These videos were intended to be part of continuing the education and call to action on prostate cancer.

Anyone interested in finding out about The Walnut Foundation can check the following website: thewalnutfoundation.com