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The month of June will be shining a spotlight on dads, sons, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, grandsons and all the important male role models in our lives.

Father’s Day will be celebrated by many, and in the days running up to this important date – the UK will again be marking Men’s Health Week (June 10-16)

The week shines a spotlight on the unique health concerns impacting men and aims to promote the importance of addressing and managing health issues proactively.

The annual event encourages men to take charge of their well-being, make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices, and seek appropriate medical support when needed.

One of the most common health issues affecting men is prostate cancer. With statistics revealing that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime – North West Anglia Foundation Trust surgeon Jyoti Shah MBE has been working with her team to raise awareness locally in recent months.

Macmillan Consultant Urological Surgeon Miss Shah has spearheaded an initiative to invite men aged between 50-80, who have no known prostate cancer or have not had a PSA  (prostate-specific antigen) blood test within the past 12 months to come along to get tested at free community events.

One of the most successful locally has been the Prostate Outreach Bus (provided by The Light Project) – with over 300 men having used the service. More community clinics currently being planned for the summer at yet to be decided locations and dates.

Here’s how the free checks are making a difference – Matt’s story …

At 58 years of age – having a PSA test was on Matt Biggin’s list of things to do.

But as he had no symptoms and didn’t feel unwell, was busy with work and life in general, and was unable to get an appointment with his GP – Matt says this went down his own list of priorities.

It was only when his partner Karen suggested they visit the Prostate Cancer Outreach Bus in Peterborough city centre that Matt decided to kick start the process.

Demand on the free drop-in service meant that Matt was not able to be seen on the day, but the team took his details, and he was contacted with an appointment to have a PSA and blood test and an examination soon after.

Matt, from Peterborough, said: “I didn’t think too much about it at the time, and it was something I had been meaning to do and now I had. It was only when I was told my PSA levels were high that I was booked in for an MRI and biopsy within a matter of days.”

He added: “I got the call to say test showed I had prostate cancer, and I don’t think it really sank in. I had to face telling my family while trying to process news of the diagnosis myself – which had all happened very quickly from visiting the bus in February.”

Matt was also then faced with the anxiety of waiting for the results of a bone scan to see if the cancer had spread before a treatment plan could be put in place.

On receiving the reassuring news that the scan was negative; Matt told closer friends and is now bravely and openly sharing his story – as he currently awaits radiotherapy treatment this summer – to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

“It has been eye opening to learn how common this is, even by talking to friends – it can happen to anyone,” added Matt – who is currently undergoing hormone injections.

“My cancer has been caught early and I am dealing with things head on whilst carrying on with life as normally as I can.”

A professional master of ceremonies Matt is also helping to raise awareness by sharing his story on his own local radio show moremuzicradio.com – visiting Peterborough City Hospital to record an interview with Miss Shah.

“My message to men is to go and get checked. Yes, there may be a little embarrassment, but the checks are really quick, easy and painless. Don’t put it off or make the excuse of being too busy.”

Don’t bury your head in the sand

Miss Shah said: “Prostate cancer is a silent killer, but it is a cancer that we can cure if we pick it up early enough.”

It is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with one in eight being diagnosed as some point in their lives – and for men from an Afro-Caribbean heritage, the risk is one in four.

“A lot of men like to bury their head in the sand when it comes to their health. They are often too busy to go to their doctor or to access the relevant services.

“But because prostate cancer often doesn’t have any symptoms – they won’t appreciate the need to go and get checked for a problem that effectively doesn’t exist. However, because there are no signs, that doesn’t mean that it’s not there.

“Matt’s story is typical of many men – and thankfully he did come to get checked, cancer was caught early, and he is now receiving treatment and is under the Trust’s care.”

She added: “With Father’s Day and Men’s Health Week approaching, it gives us a timely reminder to reach out to the men in our lives and prompt them to think about all aspects of their health and seek advice if they feel something isn’t quite right.”

You can listen to Matt interviewing Miss Shah live on Wednesday 29^th May 7 – 9pm or listen again at: www.moremuzicradio.com

 

Trust  Macmillan Consultant Urological Surgeon Jyoti Shah MBE with prostate cancer patient Matt Biggin – urging men to make their health a priority. And being interviewed by Matt for his radio show to help raise awareness.