Dr. Mike Fraser
Director of Implementation – Cancer, Movember Canada
One in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with over 27,000 new cases expected in 2024 . However, the burden of prostate cancer is not borne equally by all Canadian men. Beyond screening, diagnosis, and treatment impacts, outcomes can be impacted by factors like a person’s race, ethnicity, place of residence, gender, and sexual orientation. Men of African or Caribbean ancestry, Black men, and Indigenous men have up to double the risk of being diagnosed with, and of dying of, prostate cancer.
Men who live in rural or remote areas may lack access to testing and treatment tools, impacting their prostate cancer outcomes and overall quality of life. Gay and bisexual men, as well as gender diverse people, have unique challenges associated with prostate cancer treatment that may not be adequately addressed through healthcare systems. All these factors can lead to poorer outcomes for Canadian men. Movember is working to change this.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Since 2008, Movember has invested $107 million in over 200 Canadian research projects aimed at reducing the burden of prostate cancer and improv- ing the lives of those living with it. Thanks to this type of research, men have access to better prostate cancer screening, testing, imaging, treatment, and support. However, we still have a long way to go to address and overcome the disparities in health outcomes that exist for marginalized and traditionally underrepresented communities.
Over the next three years, Movember will invest $2.1 million in prostate cancer health equity research to strengthen knowledge and implement strategies that overcome barriers and improve outcomes for Indigenous men, Black men, men of African and Caribbean descent, men living in rural and remote areas, and people with diverse gender and/or sexual orientation. This is in addition to the $3.2 million Mov- ember has committed to focus on improving sexual health and well-being across Canada and $800,000 is focused on advancing personalized cancer care research.
Together, we can help Canada’s cancer care system work for everyone who needs it.
To get involved this Movember, sign up and be part of the change that helps stop men dying too young. To learn more about Movember’s work visit ca.movember.com.
