The MAN VAN is rolling into Bow Island

Posted on September 7, 2022 by Ryan Dahlman

Contributed

The MAN VAN™ will be at Nutrien Ag Solutions on Thursday, October 6th between 11AM-2PM offering free baseline PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood tests to men over the age of 40 and Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, Stress Check Questionnaire and Waist Circumference measurement to all men over 18.

Balancing work, family and a social life keeps men busy. Health is not always top-of-mind. It can be very difficult for men to fit regular doctor visits into their schedules. That is why the Prostate Cancer Centre is pleased to offer the services of the MAN VAN to the community. No appointment is necessary. 

The PSA test is a simple blood test that helps in the early detection of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and released in small amounts to the bloodstream. The amount of PSA in the bloodstream can often predict a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in Albertan men. One man in seven will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. Approximately 2800 men will be diagnosed annually with prostate cancer and 8 men will die from it every week.  

In Canada, the state of men’s health is often called the “silent crisis”. Men live five years less than women on average and out of the top 15 causes of death, men lead in 14. Men also are more likely to avoid preventative care, delay treatment, pay less attention to health information and are less likely to have a health care provider. Measurements for BMI, blood pressure and blood glucose can help men determine a Man’s overall health status and allow health practitioners to catch and possibly reverse potential problems early on.

The Prostate Cancer Centre is a non-profit organization established in 1999 and focused on the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer and prostate related disease. We support excellence in prostate cancer awareness, education, diagnosis, treatment, advocacy and research with the ultimate goal of eliminating advanced prostate cancer.