Prostate Cancer Canada and the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada
Join Forces in Fight Against Prostate Cancer

Partnership will promote joint fundraising, education and research

OTTAWA, May 5 /CNW/ - Prostate Cancer Canada (PCC) and the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) will today announce a united front in their efforts to defeat prostate cancer, the most common cancer to afflict Canadian men.

IMRIC, supported by the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University (CFHU) and part of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, promises to deliver breakthrough solutions for some of the world's most pressing medical problems, from HIV/AIDS to cancer. Through IMRIC, world-renowned Israeli researchers are working with top-ranked scientists around the world.

PCC and IMRIC plan to partner in areas of fundraising, education and research, will sign a memorandum of understanding this afternoon at a Parliament Hill reception hosted by CFHU and the Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group, in celebration of Canadian-Israeli partnerships.

The PCC-IMRIC partnership supports opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between prostate cancer researchers in Canada and in Israel.

"Canadian researchers have tremendous expertise and are doing groundbreaking work in prostate cancer research," says Steve Jones, President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada. "We're excited to develop this relationship with IMRIC that will allow us to work together at home and internationally, so we can improve diagnosis, treatment and eventually find a cure for men, wherever they live."

"We're seeing the future of medicine through IMRIC, as researchers are collaborating not only across disciplines but across countries - and Canadians are partners in this most vital work," says Rami Kleinmann, National Director, Canadian Friends of Hebrew University. "The PCC-IMRIC partnership brings great minds together between Canada and Israel, something that will accelerate the kinds of innovations that will touch and save many lives."

During his lifetime, one in six Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is now as prevalent to men as breast cancer is to woman. PCC advises that as of age 40, men and their doctors discuss the merits of prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood testing followed by a digital rectal examination (DRE) for early detection of prostate cancer.

About Prostate Cancer Canada: Prostate Cancer Canada is a national foundation dedicated to the elimination of this disease through research, education, support and awareness. Our vision is to be a global leader in the fight against prostate cancer, earning the enthusiasm and support of Canadians through integrity, compassion and innovation. Through a network of more than 100 support groups, Prostate Cancer Canada provides advocacy and support for thousands of men, and their families, diagnosed and living with prostate cancer. Visit prostatecancer.ca.

About the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada: At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) brings together the best minds from the scientific disciplines. Together, researchers are creating innovative approaches to meet the challenges of medicine in the 21st century. The Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University (CFHU) facilitates the collaboration of medical research between Canada and Israel. CFHU is raising $50 million to harness the incredible talent of researchers at the IMRIC and their Canadian partners. CFHU is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the awareness, leadership, and financial support of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Visit www.cfhu.org and www.imric.org.

For further information: Miriam Pilc-Levine, National Director, Communications and Marketing, Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, [phone], ext. 121, [e-mail]; Rebecca von Goetz, Executive Vice-President, Prostate Cancer Canada, [phone] ext. 258, [e-mail]