A Cause for Exposure

The BC Cancer Foundation needs your help to raise funds and unleash a voice for devastating yet “hidden” cancers like prostate, colorectal, ovarian, testicular, bladder, cervical, and uterine that may affect you or someone you know.

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

Colorectal

• In 2009, an estimated 2,650 cases were diagnosed with colorectal cancer
• In 2006, an estimated 2,656 cases were diagnosed with colorectal cancer
• In 2003, 2,317 cases were diagnosed with colorectal cancer

Bladder

• In 2009, an estimated 1,010 cases were diagnosed with bladder cancer
• In 2006, an estimated 1,020 cases were diagnosed with bladder cancer

MALE BELOW-THE-WAIST CANCERS

Prostate gland

• In 2009, an estimated 3,000 cases were diagnosed with prostate cancer
• In 2006, an estimated 3,000 cases were diagnosed with prostate cancer
• In 2003, 2,571 cases were diagnosed with prostate cancer 

FEMALE BELOW-THE-WAIST CANCERS

Cervical Cancer

• In 2009, an estimated 150 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer
• In 2006, an estimated 160 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer
• In 2003, an estimated 151 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer

Ovarian

• In 2009, an estimated 290 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer
• In 2006, an estimated 280 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer

Uterine

• In 2009, an estimated 570 women were diagnosed with uterine cancer
• In 2006, an estimated 510 women were diagnosed with uterine cancer

In 2009, cancers below the waist account for 42% of all cancers diagnosed in BC. These same cancers in BC are responsible for 32% 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!