Yellowknife (Sep 27/06) - The early detection of prostate cancer could mean the difference between life and death, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

"There's really good survival rate if it's detected early enough," said Louise Elder-Riordan, program co-ordinator for the NWT division of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The organization is touting Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, which runs through Saturday.

"Prostate cancer is the new leading cancer in men," she said. However, the number one killer of men is still lung cancer. Prostate cancer is third.

Elder-Riordan said that there are different reasons men may not go to see the doctor for a check-up. Nevertheless, she said that the Canadian Cancer Society is looking to change that attitude. "We're encouraging men to (go to) the doctor's on a regular basis. One of the dangers of cancer is that it... can spread to other parts of the body."

In Alberta and the NWT, approximately 410 men will die from prostate cancer this year.

During Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, from Sept. 18-23, golf courses across Alberta and NWT handed out pamphlets to male players.

"We're hoping this checklist will save lives," Elder-Riordan said.

Two tests are performed on men when they do see their doctor for prostate exams, one is a blood test, the other a digital rectal exam.