Why hesitate? A 10-second exam can save your life!
Dr. Peter Chan wishes all men overcame their reluctance to undergo a prostate examination.
Dr. Peter Chan, an urologist at the McGill University health Centre (MUHC), does not sugar coat his message that men must take better charge of their health.
“Too many men think they are invincible. If they have a heart attack or a car crash, they say, ‘No problem! I need to see a doctor. That’s a MAN thing.’ But when it comes to urology, nothing is more awkward than talking about sex, or having a finger up your bum or talking about infertility. Somehow, men think they are no longer manly when they have to deal with those things.”
Since 2005, Dr. Chan and his team have been encouraging men to overcome their reluctance to see a doctor by offering them an annual free and quick health check-up. The Men’s Health Awareness Day exam includes a health questionnaire, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and a prostate exam, if necessary. This year the team celebrates the event’s 10th anniversary. Over that period, more than 1,500 Montreal men have been examined, and one in five has been contacted for follow-up consultations at the MUHC.
The 10th Men’s Health Awareness Day Exam will take place on Friday, June 17, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Carrefour Angrignon - 7077 Boulevard Newman, LaSalle, QC.
“A 10-second prostate examination, which can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, could be life-saving," notes Dr. Chan. “The success of treatment is much higher if cancer is caught in the early stages.”
The event requires remarkable logistical planning and hard work. Dr. Chan is quick to credit the help and long hours of his indefatigable assistant, Lina Ordonselli. Together, they assemble a volunteer team of over 30 doctors, nurses, researchers, administrative staff and students who share their time and expertise in making the event a huge success. This year, men will have the option of making an appointment for a fertility exam.
“There are many reasons not to miss this event: it’s free, it’s quick and there’s no need to study for the exam,” says Dr. Chan with a smile. “But seriously, the main reason is that it’s important: it can save your life.”
Top 10 Reasons to come to the MUHC’s Men’s Health Exam Day
10. It’s comprehensive – prostate, blood pressure and cholesterol and urine will all be checked.
9. It’s free – and so is the parking!
8. Your prostate exam will only take a minute….which is an advantage in this situation!
7. It can be a bonding experience, so we encourage you to bring a ‘bro’.
6. Kill two birds with one stone by going shopping after your test.
5. We’ve been doing it for 10 years, so you’re in good hands (so to speak).
4. We’ll hook you up with a consult to follow up at the MUHC, if needed.
3. There’s no need to study for this exam – just show up (how often can you say that?)
2. It’s father’s day, so bring your dad and make this his father’s day treat!
1. It could save your life! The success of treatment is much higher if cancer is caught in the early stages.
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