Prostate cancer study seeks men with same-sex experiences for survey

If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer and have had sex with men, you can contribute to a UBC and BC Cancer Agency study.

UBC and the BCCA are researching how prostate cancer affects the lives of men who have sex with men (MSM). It's an area that hasn't been explored much before and there's a lack of research on the subject. Previous studies have primarily concentrated on heterosexual males.

You can fill out the survey if you are:

1. Under 71 years of age
2. Are a man who has had sexual experiences with men (that includes men who identify as gay, bisexual, straight, queer, and more)
3. Have had a previous diagnosis of prostate cancer and have been treated with surgery, external beam radiation, or brachytherapy

The exceptions are:

1. If you had a previous non-melanoma skin cancer
2. If you received chemotherapy  or pelvic radiation prior to a prostate cancer diagnosis

All responses will be kept confidential. Participants have a chance to win $50.

The study was initiated by Dr. Tsz Kin (Bernard) Lee, who is an out gay man. By phone, Lee informed the Georgia Straight that they're hoping to have at least 300 people participate in the survey, which takes about half an hour to complete.

The results of this latest phase of the project will help determine the final sexual-function questionnaire for the project, which will help with treatment decisions for future patients.

For further information, visit the Compass study's Facebook webpage.

To fill out the survey, visit this webpage.