GP surgeries in Kingswood have launched a campaign encouraging men to take 30 seconds to check their risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. The risk is higher for men over 50, if they are Black, or if they have a family history of the disease. But earlier detection makes treatment easier, and that is why the local surgeries are working together to promote the easy checker.
The campaign is being promoted by surgeries including Kingswood Health Centre, Cadbury Heath Healthcare, Close Farm Surgery, Hanham Health, Green Valleys Health, Three Shires Medical Practice, Orchard Medical Centre and Downend Health Group.
To reach more men where they often get together, the practices are delivering drinks coasters to businesses in the area including sports and social clubs, barbers, tattoo parlours and building suppliers. The coasters feature a QR code which links to a risk checker that asks three quick questions.
Sarah Cole, manager of the local primary care network, said: “One in eight men get prostate cancer. We hope our campaign and the coasters we’re sharing locally will encourage men to check their risk and talk to their mates about the disease. Look out for the coasters and follow the link to the easy checker. It takes less time to do than boiling the kettle.”
Warmley Men in Sheds and Kingswood Rugby Football Club are lending their support to the campaign by appearing on the promotional posters.
Alan, a member of Warmley Men in Sheds, said: “My prostate cancer was discovered by chance, but luckily it was discovered early which meant it had not grown. The sooner prostate cancer is discovered, the sooner it can be treated – my cancer has now completely gone. Please don’t leave it to chance to find out you have cancer – get it checked NOW!”.
The main symptoms of prostate cancer are
• needing to pass urine more frequently, often several times during the night
• difficulty in starting to pass urine (hesitancy)
• a poor urinary stream and/or dribbling afterwards
• blood in your urine or semen
The campaign will run over the summer. If you are a local business and want to support the campaign, contact sarah.cole35@nhs.net. Anyone interested in checking their own risk should go to https://prostatecanceruk.org/gp-risk-u16600