“In their lifetime, one in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men, and risks increase with age as the prostate gland usually grows larger over time.

“It can take years for prostate cancer to develop to the point where symptoms are noticed. Regular checkups and screening (prostate-specific antigen blood tests) are the best ways to detect prostate cancer before it has the opportunity to advance. Fortunately, when caught early, prostate cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers.

“This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I want to highlight the importance of men having regular visits with their primary care provider and routine screening. This is particularly important for those 40 years and older, those overweight or men who have a family history of getting the disease. With early detection, more lives can be saved, giving more Albertans time with their loved ones.

“To find out more about individual risks and how to prevent prostate cancer, please visit Healthier Together.”