Following the death of Cowboys Fringants singer, the former mayor of Quebec – himself a prostate cancer survivor – is issuing a strong appeal to men not to hesitate to undergo a check-up.
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Régis Labeaume, who is currently traveling in the Maghreb, learned of Karl Tremblay’s death when he got up on Thursday.
“It is extremely sad. Since it is a cancer that is relatively treatable, we have the impression that no more people die from it. But you can still die from it. It’s important to say it,” he said.
He also gives the example of David Koch, who died of cancer in 2019, when he was the eighth richest man in the world with a fortune of around $50 billion.
“The resistance is very strong. Because medicine has become so advanced, men tend not to get tested. Doctors, oncologists and surgeons do wonderful work, but ultimately we can still die from it. At some point you have to choose life. Guys over 40 really need to make an effort and get tested,” he emphasizes.
sexuality
Mr. Labeaume also believes that many men fear for their masculinity and was reassuring in this regard.
“You still have a sex life. That’s what guys don’t know. They think it’s over. I’m trying to repeat it so the boys wake up. You still have a sex life after prostate cancer and even after prostate removal. I know that’s the problem. “The doctors are talking to me about it,” he emphasizes.
He was 62 years old in March 2019 when he was diagnosed.
“I chose ablation. To increase your chances of success, treatment must be started very early. I decided to flex glutes. In fact, I chose life. There is a risk of recurrence. I still have blood tests every three months. Normally I will be cured by March 2024,” he says.
Régis Labeaume in November 2021 at the end of his fourth and final term. Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
However, the easy-talking and sometimes combative politician was rattled by his oncologist after returning to work.
“A month after my operation I came back and told all the press that I was cured,” he says with a big laugh. My oncologist called me and said, “Regis, you’re confusing us a little because we’re trying to explain that remission lasts five years and you tell the whole world that you’re cured at the end of a month.” It would be really nice if you explained to the press at the next meeting that you are not cured.’”
engagement
Régis Labeaume is one of the ambassadors of the Procure organization, which is currently holding its Noeudvembre event to raise funds.
“It is a private organization whose aim is to provide all information about prostate cancer and contribute to research. It’s pretty extraordinary. Visit the website,” advises Régis Labeaume.
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