BURNABY - Premier Christy Clark provided support for those affected by prostate cancer by taking part in the 2012 Prostate Cancer Foundation BC Father's Day Walk/Run at Burnaby Lake.

"Prostate cancer affects one in seven men, in addition to the impact on their families," said Premier Clark. "This disease has taken far too many grandfathers, fathers, sons, husbands and loved ones from their families and we need to do everything we can to help find a cure. That is why we are committed to raising awareness and providing support."

The government of British Columbia most recently announced a $5-million provincial grant in March 2012 to the Vancouver Prostate Centre, a University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital Centre of Excellence and world leader in research and treatment of prostate cancer. This builds on previous funding provided to the centre totalling more than $10 million.

Government also hosted a Legislature Day for Prostate Cancer Canada on May 7, 2012. The event promoted education and awareness of prostate cancer in British Columbia. MLAs showed support by wearing blue Prostate Cancer Canada ties and scarves.

It's estimated that about 3,575 British Columbian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and about 540 men will die from it. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect Canadian men, with more than 25,000 men across the country expected to be diagnosed this year.

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)