THIS NOVEMBER, MAKE TIME TO TALK ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

You often ask how your loved ones are doing. But when did you last give your own health that same attention? Brazil’s Blue November campaign encourages men to set embarrassment aside and talk about their health, particularly prostate health.

In Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends considering screening from age 50 for those at average risk and from age 45 for those at high risk. This higher-risk group includes Black men, including those of African or Caribbean ancestry, and those with a family history of prostate cancer.

The decision should be made with a health care professional after discussing the benefits and risks. The blood test known as PSA measures prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate, and can help detect prostate cancer early. However, an elevated result does not confirm the disease, and a normal result does not rule it out.

Looking after yourself goes beyond testing. Knowing your family history, reporting changes in your body and asking questions help guide your care. Do not let embarrassment delay that conversation. Your health deserves attention throughout the year.