Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian males, says the honorary chair for the Avalon Motorcycle Ride for Dad.

VOCM’s Brian O’Connell, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014, says one of his priorities as chair is to talk to men about the importance of getting checked.

In O’Connell’s case a simple blood test detected the illness even before he experienced any symptoms.

It is wise to get regular tests – especially if someone in your family has had it. He says it is all the more reason to be vigilant.

He says it is easy to get checked. Men should always get checked after a certain age anyway and if the cancer is caught early, it is more treatable.

O’Connell will be spreading more awareness and raising money for the Avalon Motorcycle Ride for Dad event this Saturday at Newfoundland Power on Kenmount Road. The ride will start at 9:30 a.m..