Naheed Nenshi celebrates birthday with prostate test

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi turns 40 this week and he's marking the occasion early by making a statement about men's health.

Nenshi arranged with the Prostate Cancer Centre to have its mobile testing unit — called the Man Van — stop by city hall Monday so he could have a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test.

The mayor says it's important for men to get the baseline blood test done once they turn 40.

 "You know men are embarrassed by this," said Nenshi.

"We don't like to talk about health issues. We especially don't like to talk about health issues below the belt, and when you talk about getting your prostate exam and people think about digital exams and how uncomfortable and unpleasant that might be, but in fact, you should do it. And what you should start with a simple blood test."

Early detection important

Nenshi says men need to be less embarrassed about health issues like this and take charge of looking after themselves.

Linda MacNaughton, with the Prostate Cancer Centre in Calgary, said it's a welcome gesture by the mayor.

"He realizes it is important to get a baseline PSA test and I just think that he does set a great example for guys his own age, even the older guys," she said. "Lots of guys that come to the Man Van have never had a PSA blood test, even in their 50s and 60s."

MacNaughton says one in seven men are diagnosed with prostate cancer on average and early detection is important.