Prostate cancer campaign heads to Grimsby as doctors warn men not to ignore symptoms
Doctors say some men in the region are less likely to seek medical help, as a community roadshow arrives in Grimsby for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Men in Northern Lincolnshire are being urged to learn the signs of prostate cancer as a new community awareness roadshow visits the region this month.
The Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is holding events across the area during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, including a session with a local men’s group in Grimsby on Wednesday (March 11).
Health experts say the aim is to reach communities where the disease is sometimes diagnosed at a later stage - often because people delay speaking to a doctor.
Dr Mark Rogers, a consultant urologist with Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said prostate cancer is higher in the region than the UK average.
“I think the reasons are multifactorial," he said.
“The patients are not maybe too health concerned.”
“They probably have other habits that are not brilliant as well for maintaining their health, such as smoking, diet and alcohol.”
“Also, maybe it’s the lack of education to make them aware of the problem.”
Around one in eight men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Dr Rogers said the campaign is focused on speaking directly to communities and raising awareness of the symptoms.
He said: “It’s important that we really reach out to people and try and inform them what’s available.”
“Some patients don’t even know about the telephone service that we offer and being able to access your GPs online.”
Symptoms can include needing to pee more often, difficulty starting to urinate, weak flow or blood in urine or semen.
Doctors say prostate cancer can often be treated successfully if it’s found early.
Dr Rogers added: “If there’s ever any blood from the urinary tract, that is really a warning sign and should be investigated.”
The awareness roadshow will visit community groups across the Humber region throughout March, encouraging men to understand their risk and speak to a GP if something doesn’t feel right.