Campaign supports research and awareness for prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men
MARKHAM, ON, Nov. 21, 2018 /CNW/ - Moustaches come in many shapes, sizes and styles - they are unique and distinctive, just like the Canadian men and their loved ones who are affected by prostate cancer. This year a social media campaign sponsored by Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. (Astellas Pharma Canada) called #flashyourstache will look to raise awareness of prostate cancer through an online "stashion" show.
From today until December 15th, everyone can help improve men's health by posting selfies using the hashtag #flashyourstache. For every Instagram, Facebook or Twitter hash-tagged post or selfie – (moustaches are optional) – that mentions #flashyourstache, Astellas Pharma Canada will donate $5, up to a maximum of $50,000, to Movember Canada. That includes every like, tweet, retweet, and reply using the hashtag.
"Prostate cancer is a serious disease and the effort to improve men's health through education, research, prevention and early detection extends well beyond the symbolic moustache" said Steve Sabus, General Manager of Astellas Pharma Canada. "This initiative reflects our core values; that of supporting our community partners and engaging our employees in a meaningful way. We are excited to help support the Movember Foundation once again this year."
It is expected that one in two Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime.1 Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths in Canadian males accounting for 10 per cent of all male cancer deaths.2 When prostate cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, 100 per cent of men can expect to be alive five years after diagnosis. If prostate cancer is diagnosed at a later stage, when there is distant spread, the five-year survival rate decreases to 30 per cent.3 To help increase the odds of early detection, routine check-ups with a doctor are recommended.
"At Movember, we love all of the unique and engaging ways our community raises funds," says Ken Aucoin, Country Director, Movember Canada. "Astellas Pharma Canada's #flashyourstache campaign is a great example of doing great things while having fun, and we're excited to see this come together as we help men live happier, healthier, longer lives."
About the Movember Foundation
The Movember Foundation is the leading charity dedicated to changing the face of men's health around the world. With a singular goal to stop men dying too young, the Foundation supports the following causes: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Since 2003, the support of more than 5 million participants has funded over 1,200 innovative projects across more than 20 countries. To donate or learn more, please visit Movember.com
About Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., headquartered in Markham, ON, is a Canadian affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. In Canada, Astellas has an intense commercial focus on four therapeutic areas – Oncology, Immunology, Urology, and Infectious Disease. For more information about Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., please visit www.astellas.ca.
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1 http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-101/cancer-statistics-at-a-glance/?region=on
2 http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/prostate/statistics/?region=sk
3 https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html
SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc.
For further information: Amanda Mills Sirois, Senior Communications Manager, Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., 905-940-5752, [email protected]; Stephanie Engel, energi PR, (416) 425-9143 ext. 209, [email protected]
