Typically, the garage is haven for men to focus on their vehicles and get away from everyday troubles. But this month, local automotive shops are encouraging men to think about their own undercarriage.
In partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, a group of local stores are driving awareness towards men's cancers through the month of November.
The initiative coincides with the increasingly popular Movember movement, which encourages men to grow mustaches throughout month to raise awareness around prostate cancer.
Men servicing their vehicles at participating shops will receive information about prostate, colorectal and testicular cancers.
"We chose to highlight those three because 40 per cent of new cancers in men can be attributed to prostate, testicular and colorectal," said Megan Klitch, health promotion co-ordinator, northern region, for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Participating stores include Auto Magic, Vision Excel Automative Repair, 5th and Carney Subaru, OK Tire, Queensway Autobody, Sketchley Automotive, Pro Central Automotive, Harvey's Muffler and Shocks and Amco Auto Centre Automatic.
"We haven't worked with the shops like before," Klitch said. "We really wanted to meet guys where they're at."
By working with the cancer society, these shops are encouraging men to have a game plan, since below-the-belt cancers can have positive outcomes if detected and treated early.
"It's uncomfortable for a lot of men to talk about. The more men see other men speaking out, they'll realize how important early detections is," said Sherry Redekopp of Vision Excel Automotive Repair. As a family-owned business, Redekopp said it's important for them to give back to the community in some way, whether they're preparing Christmas hampers or sponsoring youth sports teams.
The link between men's cancer and the automotive industry was a good link, said Gerry Bird, parts and services manager at 5th and Carney Subaru.
"It's a male-dominated industry. We're starting to see more females involved, but it's more geared towards men than women," Bird said.
Although like most people, Bird and his co-workers have been touched by cancer, it's still kept on the hush for men.
"It's one of those subjects men don't like to talk about."
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it was estimated that 11,900 B.C. men would be diagnosed with cancer and 4,900 would die in 2011. They are urging men to know their bodies, watch for warning signs and warnings, check their equipment and report changes in their health to their doctors.
"Sometimes men need stuff laid out right in front of their face," Redekopp said.
Merchants will be showcasing information about cancer awareness at their stores and will also be making donations to the Canadian Cancer Society through various services. For example, Subaru is donating $2 for every oil change they do this month and Vision is donating $5 from every tire sold.
The shop that raises the most money this month will win a men's prize "package" for their efforts to support men's cancer research.
Redekopp said the prize is a nice incentive, but that getting the awareness out about the cause is more pressing.
"Giving back to the community like this is important," she said.
