September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and advocates are urging Saskatchewan men to talk to their doctors about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. For cancer survivor Glen Ertell, receiving his diagnosis was overwhelming and telling his family was one of the most difficult parts, but a necessary part of the journey. “I think that was the hardest part was to explain to them what I’ve just been diagnosed with,” Ertell told CTV News. Doctors estimate about 840 Saskatchewan men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Experts say treatment options continue to improve, including advances in surgery, hormonal and chemotherapy treatments, as well as more precise radiation techniques. Dr. Philip Wright, a radiation oncologist, says newer treatments such as stereotactic body radiation therapy can deliver a high dose of radiation to a small area. Alongside advances in treatment, survivors say support can also make a major difference. Murray Hill leads Prostate Cancer Support Saskatoon, giving men an opportunity to connect with others who understand what they are going through. “You can see the weight lifted from somebody’s shoulders when they realize they’re not alone,” Hill says. Tuesday’s event officially kicked off Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and a new Blue Fridays campaign, encouraging people to wear blue in support of prostate cancer awareness. BIT Service, which hosted the event, also donated $5,000 to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan in honour of its former owner, Ken Klotz who died of prostate cancer in 2022. The Cancer Foundation says money raised stays in Saskatchewan to support people battling the disease. For Ertell, continuing to talk about his experience is one way to help others. He says prostate cancer can be difficult to detect without testing, encouraging men to speak with their doctors about whether PSA testing may be appropriate.
