Members of Parliament show support for Layton's battle

MPs wear the Prostate Cancer Canada tie and scarf on March 31, 2010

OTTAWA, March 31 /CNW/ - On Friday, February 5 Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada announced that "this year, more than 25,000 Canadian men will be diagnosed with treatable prostate cancer and I have recently learned that I'm one of them."

Today, every Member of Parliament present in the House of Commons will wear the Prostate Cancer Canada tie or scarf as a show of support for Layton.

"Despite an increasing level of awareness about prostate cancer among Canadians, we need to continue to educate men on the importance of early detection," said Rebecca von Goetz, vice-president, marketing & communications, Prostate Cancer Canada. "1 in 6 Canadian men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. As over 90% of prostate cancer cases are curable if detected and treated in their earliest stages, we encourage men as of age 40 to discuss the merits of a simple PSA blood test and DRE exam with their doctors. We appreciate that our Members of Parliament are showing their support for Mr. Layton and helping to raise awareness of prostate cancer by wearing our ties and scarves."

The Prostate Cancer Canada ties and scarf are available for purchase at prostatecancer.ca.

Over the past year, Prostate Cancer Canada has used its new name, enhanced structure and tie logo to support education, awareness and fundraising initiatives, including the Wake Up Call breakfast, the Safeway Father's Day Walk/Run, and the moustache-growing themed campaign, 'Movember'.

About Prostate Cancer Canada

Prostate Cancer Canada is the only national foundation dedicated to the elimination of this disease through research, education and awareness. Prostate Cancer Canada raises funds for the development of programs related to awareness, public education, advocacy, support of the afflicted and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer. For more information and to learn about testing and treatment, visit prostatecancer.ca

For further information: Rebecca von Goetz, Vice-President, Marketing & Communications, Prostate Cancer Canada, [phone] x258, [email protected]; Bob Stellick, Stellick Marketing & Communications, [phone] x300, [email protected]