March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial period dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men in the UK. The CWU recognises the importance of encouraging men to get tested for prostate cancer, as many diagnoses occur by chance. Lives can be saved through education, early detection, and support. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK, with over 52,000 men diagnosed each year; equivalent to one new diagnosis every 15 minutes with over 12,000 deaths annually, meaning one man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes.
Men over 50 should consider talking to their GP about a PSA blood test, which can help detect prostate cancer early, even before symptoms appear. As explained on the prostate cancer UK website, if you are a man over 50, there is currently a one-in-eight chance that you could develop this condition – and if you are a black man over 50, sadly, the danger doubles.
Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK
Bowel or Bladder disability and The RADAR Key Scheme
For those living with prostate cancer, treatment side effects can sometimes include urinary incontinence and other mobility-related issues. The RADAR Key Scheme provides access to over 10,000 locked disabled toilets across the UK, ensuring that individuals who require quick and reliable access to facilities are not restricted.
The CWU encourages members who may benefit from this scheme to apply for a RADAR key through their local authority or Prostate Cancer UK.
We would also like to remind branches of the ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card scheme. Which has been used successfully in recent years by many outdoor colleagues and CWU members with prostate issues or any type of bowel or bladder disability.
The card is promoted on the prostate cancer research website below:
Managing Urinary Incontinence – Prostate Cancer Research
This card can also be used for conditions such as Crohn’s disease, Colitis, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Menopause and other conditions that require urgent toilet access needs.
The ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card can be downloaded digitally also on Apple and Android phones and is now widely accepted at many cafés, shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and other businesses. 170,000 people carry the ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card across the country. There are over 14 million people in the UK living with a bladder condition and 6.4 million with a bowel condition.
Finally, there is a simple and quick ‘risk checker’ option on the Prostate Cancer UK website, this online checker asks some simple questions about age, ethnicity and family history. It also offers helpful information and next steps advice if you might be at risk:
Check your risk in 30 seconds | Prostate Cancer UK