OUR NEXT MEETING IS AT 7:00 P.M., TUESDAY MARCH 9, 2004
Our next meeting features “Myths and Facts About Diet and Cancer”, a new presentation by member favorite Tanya Giaquinto, Member of the Ontario College of Dietitians and Dietitians of Canada. Tanya will discuss taking control of your cancer risk.
Tanya's presentation is based on recommendations from the global report from the American Institute for Cancer Research and World Cancer Research Fund. Experts suggest that reoccurrence of cancers could be avoided through simple lifestyle factors: eating for good health, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise and not smoking.
Send questions for Tanya to Fred Norris, Chairman, (905) 877-8092 or e-mail fred.norris@ustoo-brampton.com.
We will be meeting in Room #2, The Terry Miller Recreation Center, 1295 Williams Parkway at the southwest corner of Williams Parkway & Bramalea Road. Parking is free.

FEBRUARY 10, 2004 "PSA METHODOLOGY" WITH MIKE SCIME
Over 60 members and guests attended this session to hear Mike Scime, Director of Chemistry, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories in Brampton explain the constituents of the PSA, how the Testing Lab system functioned and is funded, the requirements for a Medical Laboratory Technologist, the differences between a Lab Technologist and a Lab Technician and the value of the PSA to doctors in diagnosis and monitoring.
He detailed the test procedure and methodology which, apart from the blood sampling process, is highly automated. The measurement process was illustrated with pictures of the Test facilities and the Test equipment used. In layman's terms, the sample is 'centrifuged' in a silicone coated test tube to separate out the blood serum which appears at the top while the cells settle at the bottom. The PSA measurement relies on 'Chemiluminescence' - that is, the emission of light via a chemical reaction, similar to the light emitted by a firefly, to draw an analogy from nature. The light is measured by sophisticated precision equipment and is proportional to the PSA.
Mike recommended some precautions prior to going for a PSA test, such as refraining from vigorous exercise, and activities such as cycling or sex that stimulate the prostate and cause inflated readings. He also advised that an 8-hour fast, although not mandatory, is preferable as it produces a better quality of sample for the lab and reduces the chances of a repeat test. According to Mike, recent studies show that a properly conducted DRE does NOT raise PSA readings. Chemotherapeutic Drugs, however, may increase or decrease PSA levels. Prostate manipulation by biopsy or resection of the prostate will elevate PSA concentrations and Mike advised that PSA be done prior to surgery and 6 weeks after manipulation. It is also beneficial to keep an ongoing diary of PSA test results.
The majority of the many questions from the audience concerned accuracy, repeatability and calibration programs to ensure consistent readings. Mike's answers indicated that members could feel confident of the test system and the PSA results. It was a very informative and interesting session that not only enhanced our understanding and confidence in PSA testing but alerted us to the simple, yet important, precautions to be observed .
'PSA Methodology' slides are available as an Acrobat (.pdf) file from our web site, http://www.ustoo-brampton.com

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Following last year's "Living Proof" campaign, the C.P.C.N has embarked on a new countrywide awareness programme.
Brochures featuring the TV personality Red Green have been prepared and will have to be distributed to local doctors' offices. Ian Smith will be soliciting your help at the March meeting.
Please help us get the message out: Prostate Cancer can be beaten with early Detection.
Your continued support is much appreciated. Members who wish to volunteer in any capacity should contact Fred Norris, Chairman, at (905) 877-8092 or e-mail fred.norris@ustoo-brampton.com
 

THE FLORIDA REPORT
Busman's Holiday: I have been attending the Canadian Club in the Villages on a regular basis and have gotten to know several Ontario residents. In fact, the Chairman is an old buddy from my hockey days. With my approval, he announced that I was involved with Us Too! Brampton and that I would be glad to chat with anyone who had a problem. The Villages also has a large Man to Man group. Check out http://www.thevillages.com
Cheers, Don Grant - Member Relations donfgrant@aol.com

2003-2004 GUEST SPEAKERS
Our speakers for the remaining meetings of the 2003 - 2004 season are:
Tuesday, April 13th, 2004 - Alex Isbister will return to discuss Cancer and Its Sexual Implications.(Precise topic to be confirmed)
Tuesday, May 11th, 2004 - Arlene Dalton, who gave us an excellent yoga demonstration last year, has also agreed to an encore and will discuss "Stress Management" at our meeting.
Tuesday, June 8th, 2004 - Season's closing Pot Luck & Social Event. We expect live entertainment on this evening with guitars and vocals from local professional talents Bruce & Josh.
The Speaker Committee welcomes suggestions for future speakers.
Don Grant, Speaker Committee, e-mail donfgrant@aol.com
 

NEW MEMBER MEETINGS
New Member meetings under the direction of Paul Middleton, our New Member Coordinator, are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Suite 304, 57 Mill Street.
The next scheduled meeting will be held between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23. Please be sure to phone ahead to confirm your attendance and receive complete directions to the meeting. Please contact: Sean Butterly, Special Consultant at (905) 454-4237 or Chairman, Fred Norris, at (905) 877-8092 e-mail fred.norris@ustoo-brampton.com.

FREE P.S.A. CLINIC
Free P.S.A. Clinics are conducted at the Out Patient Clinics at Wm. Osler Health Centre from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every Thursday & Friday. Please note that patients will be admitted only until 3:30 p.m. to ensure that all patients can be processed by 4:00 p.m.
While bookings are not necessary, it is best to phone ahead: (905) 796-4066 extension 24010.
Patients must present a requisition from their referring physician with diagnosis included. These clinics are exclusively for cancer patients or for individuals who are suspected of having prostate cancer.
Don Grant, Member Relations, e-mail donfgrant@aol.com

FINANCE
So far, this year has been very quiet. The usual payments for the room rentals have to be made of course, but thanks to everyone who contributes the $2 request per car at the door, we are just managing to cover that cost.
For some months now we have asked for volunteers to help us form a fund raising sub committee. So far we are without success, and it is now becoming a matter of urgency for the following reason. By now, most of you are aware that your chapter is investigating the possibility of running a free PSA clinic for eligible males at a local mall. This is a wonderful way to put out our message, as a lot of publicity can be expected to arise from it. Awareness, after all, is our mandate.
Obviously, this will be a costly exercise, but it will be well worth the effort if it saves just one life. It presents a great opportunity for local businesses to show their generosity and get tax exemptions and publicity at the same time. So please consider becoming a vital cog in our fund raising committee. The reward for a little effort could be a life saved.
P.S. Only one other chapter that we are aware of has attempted this, namely Cornwall, Ontario, and it was a great success: 53 of the men tested were advised to seek further medical investigation. The Cornwall group are so happy with the results of their effort that they are going to do it again.
- Gerry Brunjes, Treasurer, (905) 791-3043, e-mail brunjes@idirect.com.

OUR WEB SITE CONTINUES TO EVOLVE - www.ustoo-brampton.com
Check the web site frequently for new items of interest. Remember that you can download MP3 audio presentations by Dr. M. Ibrahim ("Overview of Prostate Cancer" - January 13, 2004 ), Dr. Robert Bristow ('It's All in Your Genes' - December 11, 2003), Dr. Richard Casey ('Clinical Trials in Prostate Cancer' - October 14, 2003 ), Dr. Stanley Flax ('Brachytherapy or Radical?' - September 9, 2003 ), Tanya Giaquinto ('Nutrition' - March 11, 2003) and Alex Isbister ('Cancer and Emotion' - February 11, 2003).
Contact Mukul Luthra, Multimedia, (905) 873-8367, e-mail wftech@pacific.net.sg.