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The Brampton Guardian
Women - the secret weapon in the fight against prostate cancer
The Brampton Guardian
Wednesday September 17 2008
 
BRAMPTON - (NC)- One in seven Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, making the disease the number one cancer threat to men. However, it shouldn't be considered only a man's disease, as men often need the support of their families to talk about it, to go for testing and to cope with the side effects of treatment.

Women should act as the family's health watchdog and educate themselves about health issues and take action. This is critical for a disease where early detection and treatment can result in a cure in up to 95 per cent of cases.

Many men remain uneducated about the disease and are reluctant to visit the doctor for annual testing, fearing both a diagnosis and the side effects associated with treatment.

Phyllis Blanchard, wife of John Blanchard, a prostate cancer survivor and the past President and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada, has these tips for getting a man to the doctor:

. Get the facts; understand why regular prostate exams are important

. Urge him to start talking to his doctor at age 40 and begin annual PSA tests at age 45

. Remind him that with early diagnosis and treatment, 95 per cent of men survive

. Say that you want him around forever, sex or no sex

. Tell him that treatment side effects are not necessarily severe or permanent

. Show him that he can tell you absolutely anything

. Say that you will go with him to the doctor

. Book his tests and appointments when you book yours

The Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada has developed a risk assessment quiz and other online tools and resources to help educate men, their families and doctors at www.prostatecancer.ca.

- News Canada