Prostate Cancer Awareness Week

The week of Sept. 17-23 has been proclaimed Prostate Cancer Awareness Week in Nova Scotia.

Prostate cancer is the number one cancer threat to the lives and health of men and will affect more than 17,800 Canadian men this year. This disease strikes when most men are enjoying their prime years with family and friends, are at the height of their careers or are in the freedom of retirement. Through this proclamation Premier John Hamm hopes to increase public knowledge of this disease.

"Prostate cancer touches the lives of many Nova Scotians," said Premier Hamm. "This awareness week is an important part of our efforts toward cancer control in this province."

On Oct. 4, Cancer Care Nova Scotia will bring together oncologists, men who have had prostate cancer, community representatives and health professionals to develop consensus on guidelines for early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. The educational needs of prostate cancer patients and their families, and how these needs will be met will also be addressed.

Throughout Nova Scotia, prostate cancer support groups continue to promote the importance of open discussion about the disease. It is essential for men discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer testing with their family physicians. This awareness week will help to further the efforts of the support groups.

"By working together, we can succeed in encouraging early detection and in finding a cure for this deadly disease," said the premier.