November is prostate cancer awareness month

November 09, 2015

During prostate cancer awareness month, men over the age of 50 are encouraged to book an appointment at their community health centre for a well-man checkup.

Community health representatives will be out in your community raising awareness about prostate and testicular cancer. Prostate cancer is the third most common type of cancer among men in Nunavut.

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases if you are over 50, are overweight, have a family history of the disease, or eat a high-fat and low-fibre diet.

Some common signs and symptoms include:

• increased need to urinate
• weak or decreased urine flow
• inability to urinate
• burning feeling or pain during urination

It’s important for men who experience any of these signs or symptoms to visit their health centre. Early detection can save lives. Please visit your community health centre or speak to your community health representative to book an appointment.

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Media Contact:

Ron Wassink
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5710
rwassink@gov.nu.ca

NT5