A new UM study will investigate how antipsychotic medications effect men's prostate health. / Illustration: Kaitlin O'Toole
Moustache growth campaign leads to research grant
Salaheddin Mahmud is the recipient of a 2014 Movember Discovery Grant. The associate professor of community health sciences in the College of Medicine and associate professor in the College of Pharmacy (both Faculty of Health Sciences) is the Canada Research Chair in Pharmacoepidemiology and Vaccine Evaluation and director of the University of Manitoba Vaccine and Drug Evaluation Centre. He will receive $153,462 for his prostate cancer research.
The grant was announced on August 14 by Prostate Cancer Canada and Movember, which raise funds to support prostate cancer research. Grant applications were reviewed by four panels encompassing biology of prostate cancer, early detection of prostate cancer, experimental therapeutics and clinical and population health. Fifty-one experts in all areas were recruited nation-wide and internationally to review the applications. Over two days in May, the four panels, scientific experts along with eight community representatives, met to discuss and rank the applications. Twenty-six grants were funded, representing a total investment of $4,949,896. Each grant is for two years starting July 1, 2014.
Mahmud is studying the effect of antipsychotic medications on the incidence and aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Some antipsychotic medicines have been found to reduce inflammation and the progress of prostate cancer.
“Thanks to our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas we are able to offer the Movember Discovery Grants that fund projects dedicated to breakthroughs in prostate cancer research,” says Pete Bombaci, country director, Movember Canada. “Together with Prostate Cancer Canada we are committed to having an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.”
The Movember Discovery Grants provide innovative researchers with the resources to continue their breakthroughs in prostate cancer research.
About Prostate Cancer Canada
Prostate Cancer Canada develops, offers and funds innovative programs related to awareness and public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer. For more information visit prostatecancer.ca
About the Movember Foundation
The Movember Foundation is an independent, global men’s health charity with a vision to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. Operating in 21 countries, the Foundation is committed to driving significant improvements for men’s health issues – prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. The organizational goals are achieved globally through strategic funding of research and health programs directly through the Foundation and via men’s health partners. The Foundation is dependent upon funds raised through its annual awareness campaign. During November each year, the Movember campaign is responsible for the sprouting of millions of moustaches around the world. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo growing efforts. Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days and through their actions prompt conversations around issue of men’s health. For more information please visit Movember.com.
For interview inquiries with PCC, Movember or award recipients, please contact Justin Edmonstone, coordinator, marketing & communications, Prostate Cancer Canada, at: 416 441 2131 x 255, or email: justin [dot] edmonstone [at] prostatecancer [dot] ca
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.