Story Posted: 2025-09-25
Extending Care Beyond Our Walls: Prostate Cancer Symposium
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; a time to raise awareness and support those affected by one of the most common cancers among men. It’s also a time to recognize the ongoing work in our community to ensure patients and families continue to feel supported well beyond their treatment.
The Leslie and Irene Dubé Urology Centre of Health Prostate Cancer Symposium: Survive and Thrive is a shining example of that commitment. Now in its 13th year, this annual event brings together experts, survivors, and families for a day of connection, learning, and empowerment.
Made possible by the generosity of sponsors and donors and the dedication of volunteers, the symposium is offered free of charge to all attendees. It’s more than an event; it’s also a reminder that care extends beyond the walls of St. Paul’s Hospital and into the everyday lives of those navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis.
The 2025 symposium will also mark a significant milestone; Dr. Kishore Visvanathan will be hosting for the final time before his upcoming retirement. His leadership and commitment have shaped this event since the beginning, and we’re grateful for his many contributions to urological care in our province.
This year’s sessions will include:
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"Incontinence After Prostate Cancer Therapy"
Presented by Dr. Garson Chan, Urologist and Associate Professor, University of Saskatchewan -
"The Science of Empowerment"
A look at how diet, exercise, and stress management can support post-treatment wellness. Presented by Dr. Rob Rutledge, Urologist and Associate Professor of Medicine, Dalhousie University
These presentations reflect the symposium’s central message: a patient’s journey does not end when treatment does. We are deeply grateful to our 2024 sponsors who made last year’s event possible, including:
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Presenting sponsors Sherwood and Elaine Sharfe
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Major supporters:
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Motorcycle Ride for Dad – Saskatoon Chapter
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Mallard Wealth Advisors
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Saskatoon Prostate Cancer Support Group
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Northern Resource Trucking
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The Oucharek Quartet
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The Ivan Jen and Suzanne Yip Endowment for MRI and Urology
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A generous anonymous donor
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In-kind contributors: Dr. Joseph Schnurr, Saskatoon Audio Visual, and Wow Factor Events
We can’t wait to share the sponsor lineup for the 2025 event; we are continually inspired by the individuals and organizations who come together to make this possible year after year.
To all the donors, volunteers, and supporters who help bring the Prostate Cancer Symposium to life, we thank you for ensuring patients and families continue to receive the care and connection they deserve.
Register for this year’s symposium free of charge at: https://trellis.org/prostatecancersymposium