Message from the President: Prostate Cancer Awareness

The month of June marks a very important time for our Association and Prostate Cancer Canada, the charity of choice for the Canadian PGA. June marks the “Month for Men”, a 30 day celebration dedicated to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Canada.

Prostate cancer is arguably the biggest threat to men’s health but few men are aware of their risk. In an effort to change that, Prostate Cancer Canada declared June of 2008 the first annual “Month for Men”, designed to celebrate dads, uncles, brothers and sons across Canada by raising funds and awareness to fight the most common cancer in men.

Last year, Canadians from coast to coast were invited to support the Foundation through the Canadian PGA “Round for Dad” where Canadian PGA members across the country dedicated Father’s Day as a day to collectively donate to help find a cure while promoting awareness of the disease. Combined with other Prostate Cancer Canada efforts, over $2 million were raised through various fundraising avenues.

This year, the Canadian PGA again plans to participate in a variety of events that will help raise funds both to build awareness and for research.

Once again, the Canadian PGA will nationally promote awareness of the disease on Father's Day, June 21st, 2009 through Canadian PGA Member participation at various golf facilities by facilitating donations on behalf of their clubs to support this tremendous cause.

Arnold Palmer is an Honourary Life Member of the Canadian PGA and has been very active with many initiatives that support the battle against prostate cancer. I was honoured to meet Mr. Palmer while at the Masters this year and shared with him the commitment of the Canadian PGA in fighting prostate cancer through our support of Prostate Cancer Canada.

Some of us have been directly affected by the disease and many have been subjected to the challenges of the disease through family members and friends. There is often reluctance for those affected by the disease to discuss it. It is important to talk with others who have experienced the disease and become better informed in order to better understand.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men affecting 1 in 6 with a greater threat for those with a family history of the disease. Although typically diagnosed later in life, the disease can also affect men in their 40’s.

In 2009 alone, 25,500 men will be diagnosed with this disease and 4400 will die. Over 90% of prostate cancer cases are curable if detected and treated in their earliest stages thereby making annual testing extremely important. The disease has no symptoms in its earliest, most curable stage so if you are 40 years old; it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about a prostate examination.

If you are interested in supporting Prostate Cancer Canada, the new symbol for the foundation is a blue striped tie which is 100% Italian silk and is available for $65. The logo (tie) is a symbol of hope – with the end goal of eliminating prostate cancer. It is a symbol of unity in fighting the disease and promoting awareness.

If you are interested in purchasing a tie as a gift, for yourself or for a loved one, please contact the Foundation at 416.441.2131 or toll free at 1.888.255.0333 or CLICK HERE

Money raised from the sale of this tie will go towards the development of programs related to awareness, public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer.

Thought to be a potentially preventable cancer in many cases, more funding for research is needed. Let’s spread the word about prostate cancer, build awareness and help reverse the trend by letting the golf community know what Canadian PGA Members are doing to support this tremendous cause.