Activities

Lecture at Relay For Life Japan Kochi 2026

On October 10, 2026, Ryuta Watanabe delivered a lecture at “Relay For Life Japan Kochi 2026,” held at Haruno Sports Park in Kochi Prefecture.

Relay For Life is a 24-hour event that brings together cancer survivors, their families, healthcare professionals, and volunteers to walk together in support of those affected by cancer.

In his lecture, “Facing Prostate Cancer: Clinical Care, Research, and the Future,” Dr. Watanabe discussed prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as ongoing research supported by the 2025 Project Mirai Research Grant.

The event also provided a valuable opportunity to interact with cancer survivors and volunteers. After sunset, numerous luminaria illuminated the venue, creating a beautiful and moving atmosphere.

Meeting cancer survivors and their families reaffirmed the importance of translating our research findings into better patient care.

Participated in “Run & Walk in Kyoto 2026” at the Japanese Cancer Association Annual Meeting

We participated in “Run & Walk in Kyoto 2026,” held in conjunction with the 85th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association in Kyoto.

This event brings together cancer researchers, patients, and their families to walk and run together, fostering communication and sharing a common commitment to overcoming cancer.

The event took place early in the morning at Takaragaike Park in Kyoto, where participants enjoyed walking and running surrounded by beautiful greenery.

The spirit of researchers and patients moving forward together toward a shared goal closely reflects EPCRC's mission of translating research findings into benefits for patients.

We remain committed not only to advancing cancer research but also to fostering meaningful connections through activities like this.

Bladder Cancer Article Published in the Ehime Medical Association’s “Health File”

An article entitled “Hematuria Is the Most Important Warning Sign — Even Without Pain” was published in the Ehime Medical Association’s Health File.

The article explains that painless hematuria can be an important sign of bladder cancer and discusses its diagnosis and treatment. It also emphasizes the importance of consulting a urologist promptly when blood is detected in the urine.

We will continue to provide reliable health information to promote the early detection and better understanding of urologic cancers.

Ehime University Hospital Illuminated in Light Blue for Prostate Cancer Awareness

As part of Movember, a global campaign promoting men’s health, Ehime University Hospital was illuminated in light blue, the symbolic color of prostate cancer awareness.

Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages, making early detection through PSA testing particularly important. Through this illumination, we aimed to raise awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of PSA screening.

At the Ehime Prostate Cancer Research Core, our activities extend beyond research and clinical care to include public outreach promoting the early detection and better understanding of prostate cancer.

Participated in the Oshiroshita Relay Marathon

As part of our prostate cancer awareness activities, we participated in the Oshiroshita Relay Marathon.

Physicians and medical staff formed a team and ran around Matsuyama Castle wearing original T-shirts featuring the blue ribbon, a symbol of prostate cancer awareness, and “PSA.”

Through running, we hope to create opportunities for more people to learn about prostate cancer and PSA testing.

Promoting PSA Screening at the Japanese Society for Preventive Medicine of Urologic Diseases

We participated in the Japanese Society for Preventive Medicine of Urologic Diseases and conducted a public awareness activity promoting PSA screening for the early detection of prostate cancer.

We will continue our outreach efforts to help more people learn about prostate cancer and the importance of PSA testing.

Peter S. Nelson, MD, Visited Matsuyama for a Special Lecture

We welcomed Peter S. Nelson, MD, of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center to Matsuyama for a special lecture on prostate cancer research at Ehime University.

Dr. Nelson is an internationally recognized investigator in prostate cancer treatment resistance and the tumor microenvironment and was also Ryuta Watanabe’s research mentor during his time at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

Dr. Nelson presented recent advances in prostate cancer research, followed by an active discussion with researchers and physicians. Our groups continue to collaborate on prostate cancer research, making his visit to Matsuyama a valuable opportunity to strengthen our scientific collaboration.

Lecture on Prostate Cancer at the Shiragikai Regional Meeting

At a regional meeting of Hakugikai, Ehime University School of Medicine, we gave a lecture entitled “What You Should Know About Prostate Cancer — To Protect Those Who Matter to You.”

The lecture provided an accessible overview of prostate cancer, including its clinical characteristics, the importance of early detection through PSA testing, and current approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Through opportunities such as this, we aim to improve public understanding of prostate cancer and continue outreach activities that promote early detection and appropriate medical care.

Participated in the Oshiroshita Relay Marathon

As part of our prostate cancer and PSA awareness activities, we participated in the Oshiroshita Relay Marathon.

Our medical staff formed a team and ran the relay wearing PSA awareness T-shirts, promoting the importance of early detection of prostate cancer and PSA testing through running.