Prostate cancer events as part of awareness tour

NHS staff are going on tour to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

The Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance (HNYCA) is holding community events during March to improve understanding of the disease.

While symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually have any signs at first, later signs include hip, back or pelvis pain, needing to rush to the toilet or blood in urine.

Richard Attack, 65, a former painter and decorator from Bridlington, who discovered he had stage four prostate cancer in 2021, said: "My message to other men is simple: Know the symptoms, trust your instincts and don't put off that conversation with your GP."

Attack said his initial symptoms were needing the toilet more often to pee, especially at night, and he initially thought it was a water infection and the shoulder pain was due to his job.

He said: "When I eventually went to see the doctor, I was told it was prostate cancer, that had spread to my bones. That's why my shoulder hurt.

"That conversation with your GP and 10-minute appointment and examination could well end up saving your life."

The HNYCA said prostate cancer was the most common cancer in men in the UK, with about 150 new cases diagnosed every day.

The risk is increased with age and mostly affects men over 50, with one in eight developing the disease during their lifetime.

Black men and those with a family history of the cancer are at higher risk, the alliance added.

Dr Mark Rogers, urology consultant at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, said: "The Cancer Alliance is committed to going out into the community to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms to look out for to support efforts to diagnose and treat prostate cancer as early as possible."

HNYCA community prostate cancer events:

• 3 March: Men in Sheds, Hull
• 6 March: Westcliff Men's Friday Group, Scunthorpe
• 9 March: Men in Sheds, Brigg
• 12 March: North East Lincolnshire Men's Group, Grimsby
• 23 March: Men in Sheds, Goole
• 24 March: Men in Sheds, Barton upon Humber
• 31 March: Men in Sheds, Bridlington

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