en, it really doesn't matter whether you wear jockey shorts or boxer style, but it can be a matter of life or death whether you take care of a small internal gland which is under your shorts.
Prostate cancer takes the lives of over 4,200 Canadians each year and now accounts for 28% of all newly diagnosed cancers in North America.
Most men look under the hood of their car several times a year, top up the fluids, change the oil and make sure that everything appears to be OK. But too many men seldom, if ever, pay much attention to the well-being of the innards of their sexual system.
Women have learned in the past few decades that self-examination and a regular mammogram can help save their lives, but many men still do not realize that regular testing for prostate cancer is proven to be just as important.
This cancer has no significant symptoms that will send men running to their doctor to find out what's wrong with them and most diagnoses start from two simple tests; a finger-feel a doctor will perform during a routine physical check-up and a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test.
During the 10 years from 1995 to 2005 about the same number of Canadians will die of prostate cancer as were killed in World War II. The annual number of deaths from this cancer in Canada is higher than the total of all traffic fatalities plus homicide killings.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Weektakes place September 18-24. In Ottawa-Carleton there is an excellent Prostate Cancer Association which meets once a month and provides help not only to men with the disease, but also to their spouses and caregivers. Everyone is welcome at these free gatherings.
Even though the provincial health program does not yet recognize this male testing as an insurable test, The Canadian Cancer Society recommends all men over 50 (or earlier if there is a strong family history of this cancer or for Afro-Canadians) should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks of early detection.
Ladies, if your partner is reluctant, nag, push, pull or drag him 'til he is tested! The cancer not only effects the man but also has a major impact on his partner and on family life.
Treatment methods have improved in recent years and side effects of various treatments are now greatly reduced. But, the earlier the disease is diagnosed the better the chances of survival.
Guys, this unseen gland under your shorts has served you well for many years. Please make sure you give it the care it deserves! Forget your macho image; take the tests that might save your life. Dead men are not very macho!
The Ottawa-Carleton Prostate Cancer support group can be reached at 828-0762. The Canadian Cancer Society has an excellent cancer information help-line, staffed by knowledgeable and caring persons at 1-888-939-3333.