The month of November is designated as Movember. This is a month to raise awareness for prostate cancer research. During this month, men participate by growing their moustache (the Mo) and to raise donation money toward prostate cancer research. I've been growing my moustach for a week...so far it is a hideous patch of whiskers, hahaha!
My lab works directly on prostate cancer, specifically looking at radiation response in prostate cancer cells and compare the repair of DNA in normal and tumour cells.
We study DNA repair since this is the primary mechanism in which radiation therapy (as well as most chemotherapy) damage and kill cancer cell (and also normal cells to some degree).
By studying the DNA repair pathways, we can identify proteins that are required for DNA repair. We can then investigate drugs that specifically prevent the function of these protein; thus enhancing the cell killing effects in tumour cells. At the same time, knowing how DNA repair is different between normal cells and tumour cells, we can also find ways to deliver more accurate dosage of radiation to minimize killing of normal cells surrounding the tumour. These off target effects may affect normal function of the remaining healthy prostate, as well as side effects to the colon and bladder that results in a poorer quality of life in patients under treatment (such as loss of bladder and colon control, loss of sexual function...etc).
We receive direct funding from Prostate Cancer Canada. Our lab members are sporting our Mo to show gratitude for their continual support of our work, as well as to raise more awareness.
If you can spare a dime (or more), it would be great to pledge just $2 per week for the month of Movember toward our group of researchers. You can find my personal page as follow:
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/2501172/
We just started the page today...so it is lacking pictures...but we will be getting some pictures up soon.
Thanks for any and all contributions you can make toward the cause!
If you like, leave a comment so I (we) can thank you personally.
Ken
Illegitimus Non Carborundum