Dear GHP members,
November was Men’s Health Awareness Month with International Men’s Day falling on November 19th as a committee, we wanted to raise awareness and highlight one of the main health issues faced by men in the UK today – Prostate Cancer.
Some facts and figures from Prostate Cancer UK:
- Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK.
- More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that’s 143 men every day.
- More than 12,000 men die from prostate cancer every year.
- 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
- Around 475,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer.
- 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, but that does not mean it is a disease that only affects older men. Black men, and men who have a family history (a brother or father with prostate cancer), are 2.5 times more likely to get prostate cancer.
It is also important that we as healthcare professionals, our patients and the public are aware that prostate cancer affects all people with a prostate and includes:
(Follow links for further information)
Prostate cancer will often not have symptoms in the early stages, it is however important to be aware that symptoms occur when the cancer advances spreading out of the prostate or to other parts of the body. Symptoms which can occur include blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, and unexplained weight loss. It is important that we encourage patients and the public to contact their GP for a review. Please refer to the Prostate Cancer UK website for more information.
The cure rate for prostate cancer is very high when the disease is found early, as pharmacists we are in a pivotal position to help raise awareness in our communities and our local populations, during our interactions with patients and members of the public to ensure we are supporting early detection.
We should encourage all men and people with a prostate over the age of 50 to contact their GP for a consultation which may involve an examination or blood test- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).
Men of Black African/Caribbean heritage and those with a family history of prostate cancer (father or brother) over the age of 45 as their risk is higher.
As part of raising awareness on men’s health, we encourage everyone to talk about prostate cancer, the Male Cancer Awareness Campaign group has put together this #calltoaction which can be used to share with patients and public to help encourage conversation on the topic of #prostate cancer: https://youtu.be/s57BxKv9QcM.
Uro-oncologist and Robotic Surgeon Mr Chidi Molokwu and fellow colleagues have put together a powerful message on Prostate Cancer: https://youtu.be/8RqksuYNK70
‘The disease is curable if caught early’
Professor Frank Chinegwundoh
Thank you for your support.
GHP President – Nathan Burley
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Chair – Professor Mahendra Patel
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Vice Chairs – Amandeep Doll & Ojali Yusuff