Movember isn’t just about moustaches

Movember isn’t just about moustaches — What Alberta Men (and Their Loved Ones) Should Know about Prostate Cancer Awareness & Screening

Every November, moustaches become more than just a fashion statement — they’re are minder to talk about men’s health. Prostate cancer affects one in eight Canadian men, yet when found early, it’s highly treatable. Early awareness and timely screening truly save lives. But across rural Alberta, too many men delay important conversations about screening, risk, and the early warning signs.

At the Consort Medical Clinic, we’re using Movember to change that. This month, our team is shining a light on prostate cancer, sharing what every man (and their loved ones) should know about prevention, testing, and early detection, and encouraging local men to talk with their healthcare provider about screening and risk factors.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland found only in men. It sits just below the bladder, in front of the rectum, and surrounds the upper part of the urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body). The prostate’s main role is to produce seminal fluid.

With age, the prostate can enlarge or develop conditions such as inflammation or cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among Canadian men. When detected early, treatment outcomes are often excellent. Early, informed testing and timely follow-up can save lives—especially in rural communities. Many prostate cancers grow slowly, but some are more aggressive. Not every prostate cancer is life-threatening, so decisions about screening should balance benefits and risks.

Why Awareness Matters

 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime

 1 in 30 will die from the disease

 The 5-year survival rate in Canada is about 91%

Know Your Risk

You may be at higher risk if you have:

 Age: Risk increases after 50

 Family history: Father, brother, or close relative with prostate cancer

 Ancestry: African or Caribbean ancestry is linked with higher risk

 Genetics: BRCA1/BRCA2 or other inherited variants

 Lifestyle: Excess weight and low physical activity may increase risk

Watch for Symptoms

Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms.

See your healthcare provider if you experience:

 Frequent urination (especially at night)

 Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow

 Weak or interrupted stream

 Pain or burning when urinating

 Blood in urine or semen

 Erectile dysfunction

 Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

These symptoms can also occur with non-cancerous conditions like enlarged prostate

(BPH) or prostatitis, so evaluation is important.

Screening & Early Detection

 PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Blood Test

o Measures the level of PSA, a protein made by the prostate.

o Low PSA: Usually normal

o High PSA: May indicate prostate cancer, enlargement, infection, or other

causes

 Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

o A brief physical exam of the prostate to feel for changes or irregularities.

 PSA testing and DRE together increase the chance of detecting prostate cancer

early, which is when it’s most treatable.

When to Consider Screening

 Ages 50–70: Discuss PSA testing with your healthcare provider based on your

personal risk and preferences

 Higher-risk men (e.g., strong family history or BRCA mutations): Consider

starting discussions around age 45

 Men with a life expectancy under 10 years: Routine screening is generally not

recommended

Your healthcare provider will follow evidence-based Alberta Health Services pathways

guidance on when to repeat PSA testing, when to refer, and when imaging or biopsy is

appropriate.

Important to Know

 A higher PSA doesn’t always mean cancer; it can rise due to:

o Benign prostate enlargement (BPH)

o Prostate infection or inflammation

o Recent sexual activity or cycling

o Natural aging

 Screening can detect slow-growing cancers that may never cause harm

(overdiagnosis).

 Some men prefer testing; others prefer not to, and both are reasonable choices

after informed discussion.

 PSA testing can detect cancer early, but false positives can cause anxiety and

unnecessary procedures. Talk with your provider about what’s right for you.

If Screening Is Chosen

 Your provider will recommend testing intervals based on your PSA level and risk

factors.

 If PSA is elevated, next steps may include a repeat PSA, urine test, exam, MRI,

or urology referral.

 Not all elevated PSAs lead to biopsy or treatment, sometimes just monitoring is

safest.

 For questions or advice, contact Health Link 811 or your local healthcare

provider.

Treatment Options (If Cancer Is Found)

Treatment depends on the stage, grade (Gleason/Grade Group), PSA level, overall

health, and personal preferences.

Options may include:

 Active surveillance (close monitoring) for many low-risk cases

 Surgery (prostatectomy)

 Radiation therapy

 Hormone therapy, and for advanced disease, systemic therapies

Your care team will review the benefits, side effects, and available support services to

guide your decision.

Where to Get Help

 Consort Medical Clinic: 403-577-3737

 Health Link Alberta: Dial 811 (24/7 nurse advice and navigation)

 Canadian Cancer Society: cancer.ca → “Prostate Cancer”

 Alberta Health Services: albertahealthservices.ca → Cancer Resources &

Prostate Pathways

Brought to You By: Consort Medical Clinic Team

Information adapted from Alberta Health Services and the Canadian Cancer Society.

For advice, call Health Link 811.

Early awareness and timely discussion can save lives.

Sources

 Alberta Health Services (AHS): Provincial PSA Testing & Prostate Cancer Care

Pathways

 Canadian Cancer Society (CCS): Prostate Cancer Information & Statistics

 Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care: Prostate Cancer Screening