CORNWALL, Ontario – The Canadian Cancer Society of SD&G and Prescott-Russell in partnership with Play it Again Sports in Cornwall is running a unique campaign to raise awareness about prostate cancer.
The Month of November officially kicks off Hockey Fights Cancer season. “This Jock is No Joke” is a local campaign being used to encourage men in our community to take the necessary steps to get tested for prostate cancer. Hockey is a way of life for many in Canada, unfortunately so too is cancer. In support of this campaign local cancer survivors affected by prostate and testicular cancer gathered at Play it Again Sports in Cornwall to sport some jocks and encourage men to get tested for prostate cancer early.
Through the campaign, the Canadian Cancer Society is encouraging local hockey teams to also rally together and Face Off against cancer. Teams looking to participate in Hockey Fights Cancer can earn a chance to win Hockey Fights Cancer Upper Deck Trading cards, Hockey Fights Cancer pucks and a Hockey Fights Cancer Reward Pack. Teams who want to participate can register at cancer.ca/hockeyfightscancer
“Hockey Fights Cancer unites the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families. Together, we look to inspire hope and courage for those who are living with, going through, and moving past cancer. When you support the Canadian Cancer Society, you are helping improve the quality of life of those touched by cancer,” said Allison St-Jean, Community Fundraising Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, SDG & Prescott Russell.
Prostate cancer is most commonly found in men aged 50 and older, but survivors like Doug Nugent say that it is being found in younger and younger men.
“It used to be 50 when they’d say you should start getting tested,” said Nugent. “Now it’s 40 and I completely support that.”
Every year in early August, the Winchester District Memorial Hospital holds a Prostate Cancer Awareness event and offers free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests. Last year, 170 men got tested and 17 were referred to their doctor for further assessment.
To help support the fight against prostate cancer and to raise awareness, on Nov. 23 (better known as Black Friday), Play it Again Sports will be accepting donations which will go to the Canadian Cancer Society and be designated to prostate cancer.
On Nov. 15, the Canadian Cancer Society is teaming up with the Ottawa Senators and are inviting minor hockey teams to go and watch them play the Detroit Red Wings. Tickets are $40. For more information, email Allison St-Jean at allison.stjean@ontario.cancer.ca
Hockey Fights Cancer unites everyone in the fight against cancer. So tell us: Who do you fight for?
