Unite promotes Prostate Cancer awareness
31 March 2009
Unite is running an on going campaign to promote prostrate
cancer awareness. While we all know about the more common forms of
cancer and the screening programmes particularly for cervical and
breast cancer, screening for male cancers such as testicular and
prostate cancer have tended to receive less publicity.
Unite health and safety advisor, Rob Miguel, says: 'Prostate
cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK, with over 27,000
men diagnosed each year and 10,000 deaths. Despite these statistics
thousands of men over 45 do not know enough about it, and are not
going to their doctors and clinics for regular examination which
can save and extend lives’.
Unite regularly runs seminars on prostate cancer awareness, in
high profile work places, such as BNFL, Bombardier and Rolls Royce,
and has promoted the issue at Unite conferences.
A recent survey, conducted by Tickbox.net, found that only half
the men questioned would visit the doctor if they suffered symptoms
affecting an intimate part of their body. More than one in 10 said
they would "sit tight" and hope the problem would go away and
thirteen per cent of men admitted they would only visit a doctor
after being persuaded to by partners, friends or relatives.
Rob went on to say 'Unite intends to lobby the government to
secure regular consultation with GPs for men over 50 and for
increased investment for research. This affects both men and women,
including families as they have to bear the emotional and financial
burden of loss.'
If you have any health concerns contact your doctor
sooner rather than later.
For more information email:
Rob.Miguel@unitetheunion.org
