Preamble: What is MenCan
MenCan is a nonprofit/non-commercial initiative from the Urology Disease Management Group of Tata Memorial Centre, dedicated to addressing testicular, penile, and prostate cancers. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive care during and post-treatment through various activities, ensuring holistic support for patients and their families. MenCan’s long-term vision is to transform the Urology Disease Management Group into a Centre of Excellence for urological cancers, enhancing early detection, treatment, and overall management. By engaging in educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, research, and collaborations with other organizations. MenCan strives to improve the quality of life and outcomes for those affected by these cancers.
Why MenCan:
The MenCan initiative is essential in India to tackle the increasing incidence of prostate, testicular, and penile cancers. With cultural stigma and low awareness hindering early diagnosis, MenCan aims to educate and normalize conversations around male cancers. The initiative provides end-to-end patient support, including psychological and social care, post-treatment rehabilitation, and financial aid. MenCan also focuses on patient advocacy by creating the necessary infrastructure and capacity building to support cancer survivors. Additionally, it offers skill development programs to help survivors reintegrate into the workforce. By establishing a centre of excellence at Tata Memorial Centre, MenCan aspires to enhance cancer care standards through research, innovation, and community engagement.
Mencan aims to enhance the lives of men affected by Prostate, Penile, and Testicular cancers while contributing to a healthier future
Mission Statement:
MenCan is committed to improving men’s cancer care through awareness, prevention, and comprehensive patient support for Prostate, Penile, and Testicular cancers. We aim to establish the Urology Disease Management Group as a centre of excellence in cutting-edge research and holistic survivorship care.
VISION STATEMENT
To lead the way in men’s cancer care through pioneering research, awareness, comprehensive care and integrated survivorship support.
Professor, Dept. of Medical Oncology
Professor, Dept. of Surgical oncology
Professor, Dept. of Pathology
Professor, Dept. of Radiation oncology
Project Manager- MenCan
Coordinator- Uro DMG
MenCan’s Core Focus Area
Our primary objectives to improve men’s health and cancer awareness
- List Item #1
- List Item #2
- List Item #3
MenCan’s Core Focus Area
Our primary objectives to improve men’s health and cancer awareness
- Awareness & Education
- Prevention & Early Detection
- Support Services & Advocacy
- Research & Development
- Creating Infrastructure for Centres of Excellence for Men’s Cancers
Various Activities Under MenCan
Key programs and activities carried out by MenCan include:
Physical Awareness Campaigns
Public outreach is conducted through workshops, seminars, and health camps to educate communities on early detection, symptoms, and prevention strategies for men’s cancers.
Patient Support
We provide emotional and psychological support to patients and their families through counselling, support groups, and access to essential healthcare resources.
Patient Welfare & Financial Support
We offer financial support to patients facing economic hardships, easing the burden of cancer treatment costs following established guidelines and protocols.
Digital Outreach Initiative
We actively utilize Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X to raise awareness about male-specific cancers through digital platforms.
Podcast
Through podcasts, we share information, personal experiences, and expert discussions on male-specific cancers, bringing together voices from healthcare professionals and others in the community.
MenCan Marathons
We organize marathons to raise awareness and funds for male-specific cancers, fostering community involvement and support.
Skill Development and Survivor Empowerment:
We offer skill development programs to support cancer survivors in their rehabilitation and help them regain independence.
Survivor Meetings
As part of our support group initiatives, we host survivor meetings to offer a platform for shared experiences and encouragement.
Annual Fundraising Events
As part of our commitment to our mission, we organize annual fundraising events to raise vital resources and awareness.
Digital Outreach
We maintain a strong digital presence through our website, www.mencan.in, offering comprehensive information on prostate, penile, and testicular cancers. Visitors can access downloadable resources, event details, and additional tools to support awareness, education, and community engagement.
Educational Events and Conferences
We organize educational events and conferences to facilitate learning, foster collaboration, and advance knowledge in the field of male-specific cancers.
Research & Development
Funding and supporting research initiatives and clinical trials to advance the understanding and treatment of male-specific cancers.
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
We engage with policymakers, healthcare providers, and organizations to advocate for improved healthcare policies and secure funding for cancer research.
Healthcare Professional Education
We educate healthcare professionals on the early detection and prevention strategies for male-specific cancers to enhance patient care and outcomes.
Collaborations
We collaborate with trusts and non-profit organizations to improve patient facilities and infrastructure, while also supporting fundraising initiatives.
Confidential helpline
We aim to operate a dedicated mobile helpline to support various needs, including patient outreach, the formation of support groups, diet and psychological counselling, and other essential communication services.
MenCan App:
We aim to develop a dedicated app to provide accessible information and support male cancers enhancing outreach and engagement with our community.
Home care services
We also aim to provide home care services designed to offer support to palliative care patients in future.
HCP education
To educate healthcare professionals on early detection and prevention strategies for male-specific cancers.
Patient Accommodation Support
As part of the MenCan initiative, we offer affordable accommodation for patients undergoing treatment for prostate, penile, and testicular cancers, ensuring comfort and stability throughout their treatment journey.
Onco-survivorship Clinic
The MenCan Adult Survivorship Clinic focuses on providing specialized long-term care, guidance, and support to adult survivors of testicular, prostate, and penile cancers. This clinic offers tailored survivorship programs to help manage health &career challenges post-treatment and improve quality of life for cancer survivors.
Establishing a Centre of Excellence in Men’s Urologic Cancers
MenCan aims to establish the Urology Disease Management Group (URO DMG) as a Centre of Excellence for prostate, penile, and testicular cancers delivering exceptional care, advancing research, and improving patient outcomes.
Vision
MenCan is dedicated to advancing men's cancer care through awareness, prevention, and patient support for prostate, penile, and testicular cancers. Our key objective is to establish the Urology Disease Management Group as a centre of excellence, focusing on cutting-edge research and holistic survivorship care.
Mission
MenCan is dedicated to advancing men's cancer care through awareness, prevention, and patient support for prostate, penile, and testicular cancers. Our key objective is to establish the Urology Disease Management Group as a centre of excellence, focusing on cutting-edge research and holistic survivorship care.
Core focus areas of Mencan
Awareness & education
Prevention & early detection
Support services & advocacy
Research & development
Event Overview
Details of various activities/events
| S.NO | Description | No of Activities/Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Testicular survivor meet | 1 |
| 2 | Prostate cancer survivors meet | 1 |
| 3 | Penile cancer survivors meet | 1 |
| 4 | Outreach Awareness campaigns | 12 |
| 5 | Marathon | 1 |
| 6 | Urology connect conference | 1 |
| 7 | HCP education programs | 6 |
| 8 | Podcasts | 24 |
| 9 | Study Initiatives | 3 |
| 10 | Collaborations | 3 |
| 11 | Fund raising events | 1 |
| 12 | Patient meets | 6 |
Targeted financial assistance:
We aim to extend financial assistance to support 1,000 patients in their treatment and recovery, ensuring they receive the care they need to overcome challenges during their cancer journey.