More people need to talk about men’s health, organizers of an upcoming Canadian Cancer Society event say.

“Men are typically macho, and they often don’t talk about, or get involved with their health enough,” said Dave McPhail, a committee member with the inaugural Men’s Night Out event, at Lambton Ford Sept. 21.

“If they hear the littlest ping in their car or boat or motorcycle, they immediately have it to the shop to get it fixed,” he said. “But if they have a pain, or notice something is wrong, they just sit back and say, ‘ Oh, it will go away.’”

The event is the first of its kind in Sarnia-Lambton geared towards men, with proceeds going to prostate, colon, mesothelioma and lung cancer research.

Running from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the night out includes a number of vendors and activities, covering golf, boating, classic cars, motorcycles, sports, craft beers and live music.

“It’s not just for the men to attend, but for their spouses and significant others as well,” McPhail said. “The whole idea is to get men feeling a little more comfortable, come on out, and be a little less guarded about their health.”

McPhail said it’s time to give back, after his own experience with prostate cancer. In 2009, he was diagnosed with stage 4 of the disease. It’s inoperable, and incurable, he said.

“But the great people in London that I see on a regular basis indicated that they believe it’s controllable, and so far it has been,” he said. “So it’s great news.”

Tickets are $25 and are available at the Canadian Cancer Society, by calling 519-332-0042 or emailing lambton@ontario.cancer.ca

“The theme of the night is ‘In search for a cure,’” said McPhail. “And that’s what we’re trying to do.”

For more information, visit www.mensnightout.ca.

tara.jeffrey@sunmedia.ca