An Alberta charitable organization is hoping that for this Movember Albertans can lend their support to increase access to early detection for prostate cancer in the province.
The Prostate Cancer Centre launching its “Keep It In Alberta” campaign where donations to the charity during November will be matched up to $350,000 by the AGAT foundation.
The funds will go towards a new “MAN VAN,” the charity’s mobile clinic that allows men for free to screen for prostate cancer via blood.
“We break down barriers and we meet men where they are,” said Stacey Smith, the director of fund development for the Prostate Cancer Centre.
“Any money donated to the Prostate Cancer Centre or the MAN VAN program stays within Alberta. Every single one of those dollars goes towards helping your community, help your father, your brother, your cousin, your neighbour, your friends and help you.”
Men between the ages of 40 to 70 are eligible to be tested, with it taking about 15 minutes. No appointment is necessary.
The clinics are the first of its kind in the country.
Dr. Cory Wowk gave it a try, and says, “It was nice and efficient, very quick.”
“I realize the importance of regular screening, I’m a physician myself,” he said.
“Regular men’s health screening is important to catching cancer early in terms of prostate cancer. I thought being Movember it’s good timing to do it.”
More information on where the mobile clinic will be next is on the Prostate Cancer Centre’s website.