The Living with Prostate Cancer Foundation has been established by a group of men and their partners. The aims are:

1. To bring about awareness of prostate cancer in Israel.
2. To provide support and guidance to men who have prostate cancer and also to their families or partners.
3. To distribute information about prostate cancer.

Today there are many treatments available to cure men of this cancer. However, in many cases the side effects of the various treatments can affect the quality of life of the man and his family. Among the more common side effects are erectile dysfunction, lack or loss of libido, impotency, incontinence and depression. The patient has the final choice regarding which treatment to undergo.

In this country it is estimated that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. 380 men died of this disease in 2006. However, being diagnosed with prostate cancer is not a death sentence. Most men who are treated in time will live a natural life and die from other causes. It is a very slow growing cancer. The patient in these cases is monitored and tested on a regular basis. Prime Minister Olmert is an example. On the other hand, if not treated, the disease can kill. Awareness and early detection saves lives.

At the present time the most efficient test for prostate cancer is the PSA blood test. The PSA is not cancer specific to indicate that there could be problems with the prostate. Over the years there have been many arguments on the pros and cons of the efficiency of this test. In America, since the introduction of the PSA test, it is estimated that there has been a reduction of deaths due to prostate cancer of more than 30%. It is recommended to start testing at the age of 50. Men who are at higher risk are those who have a history of cancer in their immediate family; brother, father, uncle, mother, sister or aunt. They should discuss this matter with their family physician at the age of 40. After the Prime Minister was diagnosed with prostate cancer he asked that all members of the Knesset undergo PSA test.

September is observed as Prostate Cancer Awareness month in most parts of the world. The Foundation is observing 16/9/08 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Day with lectures on early detection throughout the country. The lectures are being given by urologists in the following centers: Karmiel, Kiriyat Ata, Haifa, Pardes Hana, Ramat Hasharon, Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, Rehovot and Beersheba. Lectures will start at 18.00 and last an hour. For further details contact Lenny Hirsch 054 457 0595.

The Foundation is in the process of recruiting members. The initial funding has come from drug companies but we are hoping for donations from the private sector to carry on our work.

Founder members include Mike Burstyn and Yaacov Peri. Memebers of the board are Hanoch Maliss, Shraga Dushinsky, Itzhak Ber, Anita Zylberberg and Lenny Hirsch (Chairman). Honorary board members are Prof. Haim Matzkin and Dr. Mickey Gross.