Health
Chat date: Wednesday 18th March
Chat time: 11am
As we all struggle with our increasingly busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. There are enough day-to-day problems to worry about without stopping to think about our health, and us men are notoriously reluctant to visit the doctors when we get ill. Whether it’s our male pride or fear of the unknown that’s responsible, it’s an attitude that can have serious consequences - especially when it comes to the early diagnosis of life threatening conditions such as prostate cancer. As the most common cancer in men across the UK, 35,000 men are diagnosed with the disease every year, claiming the life of one man every hour. But if men seek help, it can be treated effectively. Our webchat with by Dr Hilary Jones gives you crucial information on the symptoms, treatment and diagnosis of the disease - that too often suffers from being a taboo subject.
Although prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, all generations need to be aware of the risks. Many of us are unaware, for example, that our chances of developing prostate cancer are two and a half times greater if one of our close relatives, such as a father or brother, is diagnosed. African Caribbean men are also three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. That’s why The Prostate Cancer Charity is aiming to put the disease on the top of everyone’s agenda to show it really does matter - and this year a whole month has been dedicated to the cause.
This March is the first ever Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Members of the public and celebrities alike are lining up to show their support. Legendary broadcasters Peter, Dan, and John Snow have been posing in their pants, while hundreds of five-a-side football teams from across the country have been getting involved with the Real Man Cup tournament.
Despite an increased awareness of prostate cancer in recent years, many of us still don’t know what symptoms to look out for. Make sure you are aware of the all the facts by logging onto our webchat with Dr Hilary Jones. He’ll be explaining who is most at risk from the disease, how to recognise the signs, and why it’s essential to attend to them as quickly as possible. He will also be answering any questions you may have live online; just fill in the form to submit yours.
Dr Hilary Jones joins us live online on Wednesday 18th March from 11am to discuss Prostate Cancer Awareness Month