Winnipeg, MB — This summer, get checked for your family, your farm, and yourself. The Prostate Cancer Centre and Canadian Canola Growers Association are teaming up again this June and July to increase awareness of early prostate cancer detection and the importance of men’s health in rural communities.
The Prostate Cancer Centre’s Man Van will be at
Canada’s Farm Progress Show in Regina from June 21 to 23, and at
Ag in Motion near Saskatoon from July 18 to 20 with their mobile Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood testing clinic. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and released in small amounts to the bloodstream.
“The CCGA has been a huge supporter of the Man Van since 2014, and we are so grateful to have them as a partner,” says Ken Rabb, Man Van Program Manager with the Prostate Cancer Centre. “Together, we have raised awareness and have helped men who have been detected with prostate cancer in the early stages, received treatment and successfully fought this deadly disease.”
Catching potential problems is important. In Canada, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. While this disease is very preventable when detected early, unfortunately men are more likely than women to avoid preventative care, delay treatment, and are less likely to have a health care provider.
“I’ve seen first-hand how the Man Van can help farmers,” says Jack Froese, President of CCGA. “Just two years ago, one of our farm employees was tested at Farm Progress Show and the results showed elevated PSA levels. This alerted him, and allowed him to prioritize treatment before he might have otherwise known.”
“Examples like this are why the Man Van is such an important initiative for keeping healthy communities. It brings PSA testing to where farmers are, and provides them the opportunity to learn about their health and live better.”
The PSA blood test takes about five minutes, and is available on-site at Farm Progress Show and Ag in Motion for men over 40. CCGA and the Prostate Cancer Centre invite all men to visit the Man Van — the tests are free, and could change your life!
The Prostate Cancer Centre is a non-profit organization that focuses on the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer and prostate-related disease.
CCGA represents more than 43,000 canola farmers on national and international issues, policies and programs that impact farm profitability.
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Contacts:
Ken Rabb, Man Van Program Manager
Prostate Cancer Centre
t: 403-943-8952
e:
kenr@prostatecancercentre.ca
w: www.getchecked.ca
Kelly Green, Director of Communications
Canadian Canola Growers Association
t: 204.789.8821
e:
kellyg@ccga.ca
w: www.ccga.ca