By BILL KAUFMANN
The province's failure to fund a routine prostate cancer examination is likely increasing the death toll, says a lobbyist battling the disease.
Alberta, along with Ontario, B.C. and Quebec, are the four provinces that don't publicly cover prostate specific antigen blood tests that detect heightened risk of prostate cancer in men, said Greg Sarney of the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada.
"Encouraging guys to get this test is critical," said Sarney. "Men are good about taking care of their cars and golf clubs, but not so much themselves."
Such screening, along with digital rectal exams, can be extremely effective, with 95% of prostate cancers curable if treated immediately.
Linda MacNaughton of the Prostate Cancer Institute in Calgary said her organization will reimburse men who have paid for the PSA test, which costs around $23.
"Eight men die every week from prostate cancer in Alberta," said MacNaughton, noting Prostate Cancer Awareness Week runs Sept. 17-24.
"I'd love to see every guy at age 40 get the test."
Regular prostate screenings could save your life
No comments:
Post a Comment