Movember and BC Cancer announce new two-year partnership

Movember is proud to announce a two-year partnership with BC Cancer. This partnership aims to tackle the most common issues following prostate cancer treatment; which is the most common cancer in men.

All prostate cancer treatments impact sexual function. But the problem extends beyond the bedroom. Loss of sexual function, confidence, sex drive and self-esteem can cause a man to pull away from his partner, removing the intimacy and connection between them. “Not feeling like a man” also causes reluctance in single men to seek partnerships leading to social isolation and decline quality of life. 

Furthermore, studies show men who’ve gone through prostate cancer treatment are more likely to experience increased depression and anxiety. The weight of all these factors can impact a man’s mental health; which can then spill over to strain close and important relationships with family and friends.

Despite the clear issue, many health professionals aren’t equipped to address sexual health with patients. BC Cancer data suggest staff avoid discussions about patient sexual health due to limited training and a lack of confidence. Sexual health side effects typically present 2-3 years after radiation therapy for prostate cancer. BC Cancer staff have reported that the concern for the care team is more immediate side effects and discussions about sexual health side effects rarely occur with patients.

What we are doing about it

The Movember and BC Cancer partnership aims to close those gaps. Part of the partnership involves upskilling the care team who deliver radiation therapy to ask the patient if sexual health is important to them. If it is, helping the patient to access the information they need so they are prepared to manage these side effects. That’s nurses, counsellors, pharmacists, dietitians, radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and clerical staff. The goal: to get people comfortable addressing sexual health concerns with patients.

And improvements to prostate cancer care won’t only be in the hands of healthcare staff; patients will also assist. Movember is working withBC Cancer to create a process so patients can have a clear path for sharing their experiences, and the staff is equipped with the appropriate responses.

The work will begin in two pilot sites in Prince George and Victoria. And if successful, the pilot will expand to the other four clinicsin BC:Kelowna, Vancouver, Surreyand Abbotsford.

Ready to get to work

Movember’s Director of Sexual Health and Wellbeing, Jen Edgecombe, says: “If sexual health is important to a man and his partner, we want to make sure they are informed about the impacts of cancer care and know where to get help. 

“Often, men experience changes to their sexual function that they were not prepared for. We have heard them say that they feel isolated when this happens and it takes a major toll on their mental health. Nobody should suffer alone.

“Through this partnership with BC Cancer, we are arming care teams with the training, resources and support they need to initiate conversations about sexuality with confidence.”

Additionally,FionaMitchell, thedirector of Professional Practice & Policy at Allied Health, BC Canceradds:

“Cancer—and the treatments that come with it—can deeply affect a person’s sexual health, sense of identity, and relationships. Yet these conversations may not always be part of routine care. When patients and their partners don’t know what to expect, the changes can feel overwhelming and isolating, leaving important needs unmet.

After more than 35 years as a radiation therapist, I’ve seen just how vital it is to approach these experiences with honesty, compassion, and openness. That’s why our work with Movember means so much to me. Together, we’re helping BC Cancer care teams feel more confident and supported in talking about sexual health, so these conversations become gentler, more natural, and truly person‑centered.

By normalizing these discussions and offering practical tools, we’re moving closer to our mission of easing the burden of cancer in British Columbia—ensuring that every person we care for feels acknowledged, supported, and never alone in their journey.”

The partnership forms part of Movember’s effort to improve sexual healthcare in prostate cancer worldwide. Learn more about Movember’s sexual health guidelines by clicking here.