A campaign to raise awareness amongst men about cancer kicks off in Hastings this week.
It’s aimed at helping men aged 45 and over to be aware of the main early symptoms of bowel, prostate and lung cancer and to visit their GP as early as possible if they are experiencing any symptoms so that the disease can be diagnosed.
The campaign will help re-enforce the recent efforts made during the charity Orchid’s Male Cancer Awareness Week and Bowel Cancer UK’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
NHS Hastings and Rother will be working with Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club’s community programme to hold a series of events and activities over the next two months urging men to visit their GP if they have any of the following symptoms:
1. Change in bowel habits for more than 6 weeks
2. Frequent visits to the toilet, especially at night
3. A persistent cough for more than 3 weeks
Bowel, prostate and lung cancer are the most frequent cancers to affect men over the age of 45.
It is important to get possible symptoms checked out as soon as possible because the earlier any problem is caught, the easier it is to treat or cure.
People should seek advice early if experiencing any of the above symptoms, or other unusual symptoms such as bleeding or lumps.
Louise Sigfrid, an expert in Public Health from NHS Hastings and Rother says,
"Figures show that men in our area may be going to their GP with symptoms later than men elsewhere in the country. This campaign is to encourage any men worried about a symptom not to ignore it and hope it goes away.
Get it checked by a GP, do it now and catch any problems early."
Cancers confirmed early can be treated successfully with just one single operation and no further treatments.
For example bowel cancer has an 80% survival rate with early diagnosis.
Rebecca Porta of the male cancer charity Orchid says,
"We are thrilled to hear about the launch of this campaign in Hastings.
Around 35,000 men in the UK are affected by prostate cancer. We’re calling on families to talk more openly together about their health".
