While a moustache may only last for a month during Movember, support for people affected by prostate cancer is all year round at Victoria-based non-profit organization, Island Prostate Centre.
According to the local organization, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer for men in B.C., with one in eight men diagnosed in their lifetime. It is anticipated there will be 740 new cases of the disease diagnosed on Vancouver Island this year, they said in a news release.
As awareness of prostate cancer increases during the month-long charity campaign, Movember, which encourages men across the world to grow facial hair to raise money for men's health issues, Island Prostate Centre is reminding the community to turn to them for assistance and support.
Alongside a variety of support services, their team includes a dedicated nurse navigator to help patients and their loved ones through every step of their journey.
Island Prostate Centre has been offering support to individuals living with prostate cancer in Greater Victoria and across Vancouver Island for nearly 25 years.
"Through education, navigation and support services, we strive to improve the lives of those affected by this disease," they said.
While the organization welcomes the awareness and fundraising Movember brings to the cause, it has said money raised by Islanders during the campaign does not directly benefit the local centre.
"As a completely nonprofit organization, we rely solely on donations to provide essential services in our community," says the organization. "Every dollar raised from donations stays right here on Vancouver Island to provide life-changing services to people in need."
For more information about Island Prostate Health, visit their website: https://islandprostatecentre.com/.
