Feb7

Immunotherapy for Urological Cancers

Over the past decade our understanding of the biology of tumors has advanced significantly, thanks to medical research. This increased knowledge has allowed for the development of immunotherapies. Immunotherapies are drug-treatments that help the immune system attack cancer and other diseases. Some types of immunotherapy work to stimulate the body’s immune system to work harder and smarter against cancer cells. Other types provide immune–system components, such as specific proteins, that help the body fight disease.

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Feb7

2

Coffee and your bladder

Patient education

Coffee consumption, and caffeine more generally, is a staple of the North American diet. But how much is too much and what are the effects on the bladder?

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Jan9

2

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Patient education

Hormone therapy is a powerful tool for treating prostate cancer. It works by halting production of testosterone in the body, which causes prostate cancer cells to die or grow more slowly. In patients with advanced prostate cancer, hormone therapy may shrink tumors and slow advancement of the disease. In patients with early-stage cancer, hormone therapy may be used prior to other cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, to improve final results.

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Aug8

2

The role of vitamin D in urological health

Patient education

Vitamin D is a well-known factor in bone health; however, its role in the body extends far beyond. Recent studies point to links between vitamin D and urological health.

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Jul24

2

Common concerns following urological surgery

Patient education

It can be difficult to determine if symptoms after surgery are normal or if you need medical attention. We summarize the most common concerns from patients and provide information about what to expect.

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Jul7

2

Urinary incontinence 101

Patient education

Nobody wants to talk about it, but it happens – involuntary peeing, also called urinary incontinence. It is estimated that at least 10% of Canadians experience urinary incontinence at some point in their lives.

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Jun6

2

Understanding shock wave lithotripsy

Patient education

Shock wave lithotripsy is a common, non-surgical treatment that uses shock waves to break kidney stones into small fragments. We answer the “who, what, where, why and hows” of lithotripsy below.

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May9

2

The link between HPV and penile cancer

Patient education

Many of us have heard that the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. However, most people are unaware of the link between HPV and cancer of the penis.

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Feb14

2

5 Tips for managing interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome)

Patient education

Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a condition that causes chronic pain in the bladder or pelvic area. In addition to pain, common symptoms of IC include a persistent urge to pee and frequent urination during the day and night. Symptoms may be relieved temporarily by urinating.

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