SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
HELP US SHINE
A LIGHT ON
PROSTATE CANCER
Watch as Canada turns blue in September. Landmarks and homes will glow in solidarity,
raising awareness and showing support for those affected by prostate cancer.
ABOUT LIGHT UP IN BLUE
An initiative to raise awareness about the importance of scheduling annual prostate exams to ensure early detection. In 2024 we had more than 200 Canadian landmarks and over 300 homes shine blue on select days throughout September. These iconic locations included BC Place, Calgary Tower, Reconciliation Bridge in Edmonton, Moose Jaw Clocktower, Selkirk Water Tower; Niagara Falls, The Big Fiddle, Fredericton City Hall and Yukon Legislative Assembly, among others.
Why Blue?
Map of Light Up in Blue Locations
Why blue?
While there's no single documented moment when blue was officially adopted as the colour for prostate cancer awareness, it's safe to assume the choice was influenced by advocacy efforts and gender association.
Historically, blue has been associated with men, which aligns with prostate cancer primarily affecting males; it embodies hope, compassion, and unity in the face of the most prevalent cancer in men. Blue represents the empowerment and solidarity of the patients, partners, and loved ones affected by prostate cancer, and the commitment of our community to providing support, resources, and advocacy.
We're here to raise awareness about the most common cancer in men by lighting Canada in blue all September long. How will you support the 1 in 8 this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month?
Order Your Free Bulb
ORDER YOUR FREE BLUE BULB TODAY!
This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, light up your front porch,
windows, or yard with blue to show your support.
We’re providing one free blue LED light bulb to households in Canada* so you can raise awareness from the comfort of your own home.
Order your blue light bulb today and help us shine a light on prostate cancer.
Every blue light makes a difference.
*limited supplies available; maximum one per Canadian household; last day to order July 11, 2025
New bulb orders only please, if you ordered last year we may not be able to fulfill your order this year.
Proclamations
Proclaim September as
Prostate Cancer Awareness month
Have your local cities, municipalities and towns proclaim September as Prostate Cancer Awareness month.
This is a great way to help spread awareness of the #1 cancer in Canadian men.
Please reach out to shelley@prostatecanada.ca for some recommended Prostate Cancer phrasing for the proclamations.
Awareness Month
JOIN US FOR OUR 2025 PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH SPEAKER SERIES!
PAST PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH PRESENTATIONS AND CAMPAIGNS
Info to follow closer to September
What is Prostate Cancer?
WHAT IS THE PROSTATE?
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The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that, as part of the male reproductive system, helps to make a milky substance that mobilizes the semen on ejaculation.
WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?
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Prostate cancer is the growth of abnormal cells that starts in the prostate. Some are aggressive, but most are slow-growing.
WHO GETS IT?
1 in 8 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. With early diagnosis, almost 100% of these men will live at least 5 years.
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The main risk factors for prostate cancer are:
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Age: The odds of developing prostate cancer increase with age. In other words, the older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
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Race: It is not clear why, but African-Canadian and Caribbean-Canadian men are at the highest risk of developing prostate cancer. Black men are 76% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than other Canadian men and are 2.3 times more likely to die from their prostate cancer.
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Genetics/Family History: Having a family history of breast, prostate, or ovarian cancer increases a man’s predisposition to developing prostate cancer. If a man has the BRCA2, or ‘breast cancer’, gene in his family, this also increases prostate cancer risk.
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Diet/Obesity: High-calorie and high-fat diets, as well as obesity, may play a role in increasing prostate cancer risk. A healthy diet and exercise are important no matter what stage of your prostate cancer journey you’re on.
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RAISING PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS
SINCE 1997
Since being formed by prostate cancer patients in 1997, Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada (formerly Prostate Cancer Foundation BC) has been providing grassroots leadership and resources for prostate cancer support, awareness, and research.
Why prostate cancer? It’s the most diagnosed cancer in men – not only in Canada, but in more than 110 countries worldwide. This translates into 1 in 8 Canadian men diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. PCFC's goal is to make sure that no one ever has to feel like they’re going through this alone.