Put on the plaid for dad this Friday

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One in seven Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. It’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men.

This Friday — leading up to Father’s Day — will mark the fourth year where Prostate Cancer Canada has partnered with workplaces and individuals across the country to raise awareness and research funds in a fun way: by wearing plaid.

“Men oftentimes don’t want to talk about it, don’t want to go to the doctor, but we have to break that. It is very serious. There are about 20,000 diagnoses in Canada per year, with about 4,000 deaths,” notes Robin Speer, spokersperson for the Plaid for Dad campaign. “That being said, outcomes are improving significantly. Deaths have been reduced by about 40 percent over the last 20 years with advanced diagnosis, better treatments, all of that great stuff happening in medical technology.”

Workplaces, families and individuals can sign up and find ways to support the event at PlaidforDad.ca. Several sponsors will also be making donations based on how many times the hashtag #plaidfordad shows up on social media on Friday, notes Speer.

“Most folks have some plaid, so put it on on June 15th and have some fun at your workplace. Folks are having barbecues, bake sales, fashion shows, raising money, and those dollars go to researchers in Calgary, Saskatoon, Vancouver — some of the world-leading research on advanced diagnostics and treatment is being done right here in Western Canada,” he says.

Robin Speer (who formerly served as the executive director of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers and is now manager of public affairs for CN Rail) joined Shaun Haney to discuss the Plaid for Dad event and how people and workplaces can show their support:

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