by: Nels Carlson
A group of Men’s Shed Vernon guys are stepping up to grow magnificent moustaches in November in support of prostate cancer education. This annual quest to encourage men to go to their doctor and get tested is a significant event as there are several members who are survivors of prostate cancer. In the words of one survivor “after my initial diagnosis over ten years ago I followed the required protocols and monitoring and still live an active life thanks to early detection”. An annual visit to a doctor can help to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer in men in Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that in 2022: - 24,600 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostrate cancer - 4,600 Canadian men will die from prostate cancer - the five year net survival rate (from 2015-2017 ) is 91% The moustached Men’s Shed members are hoping that growing Movember moustaches will prompt conversations about prostate cancer, and encourage aware men to book a checkup with their doctors. Men's Shed Vernon is a non-profit society with 88 members who participate in shoulder to shoulder activities in a 4,000 square foot woodworking and metalwork facility where they support other non-profits by building small projects, as well as personal items. There is safety training, and shop equipment training for those who are interested. Daily coffee breaks and monthly luncheon get-togethers are ways new members meet others, find friends to socialize with, and work together on projects of interest.
Contact Men's Shed Vernon to learn more.
Very well written Nels. You should become our PAO (Public Affairs Officer) and submit this to the media. I would even go as far contacting CHBC Good work Health and Welfare team.
I started down the Prostate Cancer road January 2005 when my psa test came back with a slightly elevated number. This led to more tests and at 56 years old on September 28th 2005 I had surgery to remove my prostate. Therefore I am 17 year survivor of this disease. Roy Gavelin