Regional Cancer Care and Lakehead Thunderwolves Hockey Team Up

This Friday, Lakehead University Thunderwolves Hockey will team up with Regional Cancer Care and the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation to promote men’s health during a pivotal game in the Wolves’ season.

One in six men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. Friday’s game will feature an awareness campaign aimed at men age 50 and over, to get them thinking about their prostate health and taking steps to prevent cancer.

Facing off against the Waterloo Warriors, the Wolves will play in unique jerseys that will be auctioned off in a silent auction during the game. Winning bidders will receive the jerseys on the ice after the game and have their picture taken with the players. They will also receive tax receipts as part of their winning bids.

Jason Mallon, Executive Director for Lakehead Thunderwolves Hockey said “Thunderwolves Hockey games are an excellent way to create prostate cancer awareness and this unique event will help encourage our fans to take the next step in noticing the signs of prostate cancer.”

Fans also have an extra incentive to arrive early to the game. Northern Cancer Fund volunteers will be distributing comic books featuring the star of the campaign, Prostate Man, to the first fans who arrive at Fort William Gardens for the 7:30 pm game. “Read and enjoy the comic,” advises Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “Then follow Prostate Man’s advice and ‘Take it like a man’ to reduce your risk for prostate cancer.”

Alison McMullen, Director of Preventive Oncology for Regional Cancer Care, said community partners like the Lakehead University Thunderwolves are essential in promoting cancer prevention messages.

“In Canada, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. In Thunder Bay, the incidence of prostate cancer is expected to rise by 67 per cent by 2014. We need to reinforce the message to men that you should be talking to your doctor about prostate cancer if you are over 50, and you can reduce your risk for cancer by staying active, eating right and living smoke free. What better venue to promote those messages, than at a hockey game?” she said.

The popular prostate cancer awareness campaign featuring Prostate Man has been growing in popularity each year since it premiered in 2007. It has even garnered international attention, and was recently featured in England’s Journal of Communication in Healthcare.

“We are thrilled that our efforts towards creating prostate cancer awareness continue to be embraced by the community and the region,” said Craig. The Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation raises funds that are 100% dedicated to supporting excellence in cancer care in Northwestern Ontario.

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