Mr. Speaker, April serves as testicular cancer awareness month.
Having been diagnosed with, and treated in 2008 and again in 2011, I am grateful to be here today. I am grateful to my wife Paula, who is visiting Ottawa today, for being there for me during the treatments. I am thankful to the nurses and doctors at the Segal and Carbone cancer centres, as well as to the donors across the country who support the cause every single year.
I am addressing members today to show solidarity with everyone affected by cancer, including my colleagues, and to share a message with all young Canadian men. The average age at the time of diagnosis of testicular cancer is 29. One in 270 men will be diagnosed with this cancer in his life.
The good news is that in most cases, the cancer can be treated if detected early.
The best defence is early detection. I encourage all men to conduct self-exams at least once a month. I also encourage them to learn more about the illness by speaking with their doctor or by contacting Testicular Cancer Canada.