Participation in the Underwear Affair helps lift the taboo connected with cancers below the waist.  Why are these cancers considered “taboo?” These cancers affect areas of the body that may be uncomfortable to talk about and that are often seen as embarrassing or shameful. One may not want to see a physician to get screened for these types of cancers. This makes care and treatment an unexplored option to some of those who need it. Shedding light on these cancers means more awareness and more funding, making research and treatment a reality.  

Proceeds from the Underwear Affair will benefit the BC Cancer Foundation, an independent charitable organization supporting research and care at the BC Cancer Agency. With cancer survival rates better than any other province in Canada, the BC Cancer Agency is a model for cancer care and control around the world. The BC Cancer Agency is leading the way in uncovering cures and putting these cancers behind us.

If you’re still not convinced to register, consider these BC cancer statistics:

MALE & FEMALE BELOW-THE-WAIST CANCERS

Bladder

• In 2011, an estimated more than 1,100 British Columbians will be diagnosed with bladder cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated more than 300 British Columbians will die from bladder cancer.

Colorectal

• In 2011, an estimated nearly 3,000 British Columbians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated nearly 1,200 British Columbians will die from colorectal cancer.
• For both men and women, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis and the third most common cause of cancer-related death.

Esophagus

• In 2011, an estimated more than 258 British Columbians will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated more than 318 British Columbians will die from esophageal cancer.

Kidney

• In 2011, an estimated more than 498 British Columbians will be diagnosed with kidney cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated more than 197 British Columbians will die from kidney cancer.

Liver

• In 2011, an estimated more than 280 British Columbians will be diagnosed with liver cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated more than 153 British Columbians will die from liver cancer.

Pancreas

• In 2011, an estimated more than 533 British Columbians will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated more than 550 British Columbians will die from pancreatic cancer.

Stomach

• In 2011, an estimated more than 406 British Columbians will be diagnosed with stomach cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated more than 223 British Columbians will die from stomach cancer.

MALE BELOW-THE-WAIST CANCERS

Prostate

• In 2011, an estimated more than 3,700 British Columbian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated more than 500 British Columbian men will die from prostate cancer.

Testicular

• In 2011, an estimated 120 British Columbian men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated 5 British Columbian men will die from testicular cancer.

FEMALE BELOW-THE-WAIST CANCERS

Ovarian

• In 2011, an estimated 300 British Columbian women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated 230 British Columbian women will die from ovarian cancer.
• In a December 2010 study in the journal The Lancet, when compared to 12 jurisdictions from six countries with similar wealth and healthcare structures, British Columbian women have the best one- and five-year survival rates for ovarian cancer.

Uterine

• In 2011, an estimated 665 British Columbian women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer.
• In 2011, an estimated 97 British Columbian women will die from uterine cancer.  

In 2011, it is estimated that cancers below the waist will account for nearly 48 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in B.C. It is estimated that these same cancers will be responsible for approximately 40 per cent of cancer deaths in the province.

The BC Cancer Agency’s cervical cancer screening program was the first organized program in the world to screen for cervical cancer. It is credited with an 85% reduction in the number of cases of cervical cancer and has reduced deaths by 75% since the 1950’s.

For more information about the BC Cancer Foundation and the BC Cancer Agency, please visit bccancerfoundation.com.

Let’s not sit back and let those with these cancers suffer in silence. By taking part in the Underwear Affair we can expose this cause for what it’s worth. Get active for cancers below the waist by running or walking in a race to uncover their cures!