Most common cancer for Canadian men

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in Canada. It affects 1 in every 6 men in this province. In 2010, more than 500 men in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive the shocking news that they have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I haven’t had prostate cancer, but I know several guys who have had it and it is important for all of us to know these facts and to understand the importance and benefit of regular testing and early detection.

The annual “Walk A Mile In His Shoes” fundraiser got me thinking about this last week. The Grand Falls-Windsor Walk will take place on Saturday, September 18th beginning at 10:30am. The one in St. John’s was held this weekend.

Walk a Mile in His Shoes is a joint prostate cancer awareness and fundraising event of the Prostate Cancer Support Groups of Newfoundland & Labrador in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society. Entering its eleventh year, Walk a Mile in His Shoes is a pledge-based walk which serves to raise awareness of prostate cancer and to encourage men to take action. The funds raised through this event are used primarily to implement a strategy and programs that focus on prostate cancer awareness, advocacy and patient support. Proceeds also help fund travel so that trained prostate cancer survivors can reach out to audiences across the province with their important message that early detection saves lives.

Tell your husband, brother, boyfriend, father about the need for a regular prostate check-up, especially after age 40. Cancer can strike at any time. You don’t want someone close to you to become #501.