This is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and Island men are encouraged to speak with their doctor about their prostate health and risk of developing cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the four leading types of cancer on Prince Edward Island and the most frequently diagnosed type in men.
Dr. Andre Celliers, family physician and chief of family and community health, says prostate cancer is often a very slow-growing disease and men can experience different symptoms, with some having none at all.
The number of new prostate cancers diagnosed each year in the province has dropped in recent years to approximately 80 cases, compared to 160 cases diagnosed in 2011. Of those diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer, the five-year survival rate is 99 per cent.