Prostate Cancer Awareness Month made official in Medicine Hat

By Medicine Hat News on September 15, 2021.

Medicine Hat Mayor Ted Clugston (sitting) proclaims September 2021 Prostate Cancer Awareness Month along with (from left) Ira Heebner, Gordon Zeigler and Philip Buisseret.--SUBMITTED PHOTO

September 2021 is officially Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Medicine Hat.

Mayor Ted Clugston signed a proclamation Tuesday at Medicine Hat city hall denoting the announcement, which aims to make Hatters more aware of the risks of prostate cancer, as well as treatment and support services available.

Philip Buisseret is chair of the Medicine Hat and Area Prostate Cancer Support Group, which features more than 40 men who have been diagnosed with the disease. Buisseret says they meet regularly to offer support, and share experiences and knowledge with newly diagnosed men.

“We don’t give advice; we only share our personal journey with the disease and explain our own outcomes and aftereffects. We started with only four men in our group five years ago and its growth is indicative of the number of men out there who get this cancer” Buisseret said in a message to the News.

It was estimated 20,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020, however statistics show there is a 93% survival rate for those who receive the proper treatment.

“The best way to treat this cancer is by early detection, and PSA testing is at present the best way to catch it early,” said Buisseret. “Starting at age 50, a yearly PSA blood test will establish a baseline and give your family physician the number to watch and act on if the numbers start to rise quickly.”

Anyone looking for more information on the Medicine Hat and Area Prostate Cancer Support Group can contact Buisseret at 403-581-3116.