Join the Free PC-PEP Trial

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Empowering South African Men with Prostate Cancer: Join the Free PC-PEP Phase 4 Trial

A transformative opportunity is now available for men in South Africa diagnosed with prostate cancer: participation in a free, evidence-based Phase 4 trial of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program https://pcpep.org/

The program was developed by Dr. Rob Rutledge, Radiation Oncologist, and Dr. Gabriela Ilie, Endowed Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research, Dalhousie University.

 

What is PC-PEP?

PC-PEP is a comprehensive, home-based, daily 6-month program designed to support men at any stage of prostate cancer care—from active surveillance to post-treatment recovery. It is suitable for patients scheduled (or not) for prostatectomy (RP), radiation therapy (RT) with or without hormone therapy (HT or ARAT), or active surveillance (AS). Delivered via 182 daily emails and short 5-minute videos, PC-PEP guides participants through:

  • Daily exercise routines: Aerobic and home-based strength training by video
  • Pelvic floor training: Three 10-minute video sessions daily
  • Stress reduction: Daily 10-minute relaxation techniques
  • Dietary advice and cooking videos
  • Healthy lifestyle coaching: sleep hygiene, and relationship support.
  • Optional peer support: Weekly buddy calls and monthly group videoconferences

Phase 4 Trial Expansion – Now Open in South Africa

The PC-PEP Phase 4 trial is expanding internationally, including South Africa, and is open to any man with a prostate cancer diagnosis—from active surveillance to metastatic disease—with an expected survival of more than two years and medically safe to exercise.

Join the Movement

PC-PEP is more than a program—it’s a Community of Empowerment. By participating, men gain tools to take charge of their health, connect with peers, raise awareness of prostate cancer and screening, and contribute to groundbreaking research that is shaping the future of prostate cancer care.

“Having experienced the practical and comprehensive PEP program, I am in no doubt that for any man facing prostate cancer, PEP should be an essential and integral part of their health and wellness regime”
-Iain Johnston, Patient Affairs Chairman, PCFSA

 

Suit Up Saturday at The South African Oncology Congress

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Thanks to everyone who suited up at SACO and to Bionike for the Suit Up Prizes

Just Say PSA

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Educating men at the 2024 Africa Bank Soweto marathon Expo

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A huge thanks to The Africa Bank Soweto Marathon for allowing us the opportunity to educate men about prostate cancer at this year’s Expo.

A special thanks to our volunteers, professional nurse Tumi, and nuclear medicine technologist Katlego and to Sr Busi.

 

A message for men from Dr Michael Mol for November – Man Up, Show Up and get Checked!

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Medical doctor and TV personality, Dr Michael Mol shares this important message for men this November, in what is regarded by many as Men’s Health Awareness Month.

The 2024 Hollard Daredevil Run – A huge boost for prostate cancer awareness

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This years Daredevil Run had the highest number of participants since the event begun. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is one of the beneficiaries of the event, and also participates in the numerous media interviews that place prior to the run. The extensive PR campaign provides a unique opportunity to educate men about prostate cancer and the importance of age and risk appropriate screening. Acturial forecasts are showing that prostate cancer will be the most common cancer in South Africa by 2024. Thanks to the funding provided by Hollard from this event, the Prostate Cancer Foundation is working hard to make screening more accessible for men in underprivileged areas. However, South Africa’s under resourced public sector remains a massive challenge, as most men  will require referral to a public sector hospital if they have a high PSA for a urological assessment.

 

Thulani Sibisi receives The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Legacy Award

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The highlight of our awards ceremony held in Johannesburg on 16 July 2024 was the recognition of the huge impact that Thulani Sibisi has made to our organisation, and to the field of prostate cancer generally in South Africa.
He joined the Prostate Cancer Foundation in 2016 and was appointed to the position of vice-chairman of our Patient Affairs Board in 2018. Using his platform as the winner of the 1986 Two Oceans marathon, and his ability to connect with diverse audiences, he has been a relentless advocate for raising awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of screening for early detection.
He was awarded with The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Legacy award in appreciation of and in recognition for the exceptional impact that he has made whilst serving in his role as vice-chairman of our Patient Affairs Board.
His contribution to raising awareness about prostate cancer in South Africa and supporting prostate cancer survivors has been recognised as exceptional by not only the Prostate Cancer Foundation and its members, but also by his peers, the media, the athletics world and members of the public.
Well done Thulani, your contribution has made a huge impact to our cause!
In the photos below: our Patient Affairs Board Chairman, Iain Johnston and our Medical & Scientific Advisory Board chairman, Prof Shingai Mutambirwa congratulate Thulani Sibisi.

Our Patient Affairs Board Chairman, Iain Johnston receives a Service Excellence Award

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Iain first got involved with the Prostate Cancer Foundation after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011. In 2013 he was appointed to our Executive Board as the first ever patient representative. His passion to raise awareness about prostate cancer and to educate men about the importance of age and risk appropriate screening has made a real difference to our organisation. In an awards ceremony held in Johannesburg in July 2024, we were proud to present him with The Prostate Cancer Foundation Service Excellence Award at a ceremony in July 2024.

His optimism and positive attitude have been a huge motivator for other cancer survivors.

CEO Andrew Oberholzer, congratulates Iain for his achievement.

                 

 

Dr Georges de Mûelenaere receives our Service Excellence Award

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Dr Georges de Mûelenaere qualified as a doctor in 1963 at the University of Pretoria and as a Radiation Oncologist in 1969. He  was professor and Head of Department of Radiotherapy at the University of Pretoria from 1985 – 1990. He started the first one of the de Muelenaere oncology practices in 1975.

He has held a number of key positions in a variety of organisation including  at:

The South African Society for Radiotherapy where he was secretary since its inception in 1972 until 1981, and then as Chairman from 1982 – 1984.

At CANSA he served as the Vice president  from 1998 – 2000 and as president from  2000 – 2002.

At our own organisation, The Prostate Cancer Foundation he was one of the founding directors appointed in January 2007.  He was appointed as vice-chairman of The Medical & scientific Advisory Board in 2012 and he has also served as the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board representative on the Marketing and Strategic Planning Board since its inception. And last, but by no means least, Dr Georges did his his Hollard Daredevil run at the age of 80 and has been a regular participant since then.

He was presented with The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Service Excellence Award for his outstanding contribution to The Foundation. He is seen here with the Medical & Scientific Advisory Board chairman, Prof Shingai Mutambirwa and CEO, Andrew Oberholzer.

Androgen Deprivation Monotherapy (ADT) is no longer considered standard of care for treating recurrent and advanced prostate cancer

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Traditionally men diagnosed with recurrent or advanced prostate cancer have been given androgen deprivation therapy (hormone therapy). The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Medical and Scientific  Advisory Board chairman, Prof Shingai Mutambirwa explains why this is no longer considered to be adequate.