New Wirral campaign urges men to get checked for prostate cancer

Men across Wirral are being urged to learn the early signs of prostate cancer in a new awareness campaign launched for Movember, featuring powerful stories from local men who have survived the disease.

The videos, created by One Wirral CIC and funded by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, include interviews with Wirral resident Mike Christian, who was successfully treated after a routine PSA blood test revealed a problem. More than 2,900 men across Cheshire and Merseyside are treated for prostate cancer every year.

Prostate cancer is most common in men over 50, men with a family history of the disease, and men from a Black African or Caribbean background. Detecting it early can make treatment much more successful.

Grandfather Mike, from Wallasey, was tested after his brother was diagnosed. In the video, he shares a simple message:

“If you have a family history, then I would have a check-up. It is far better to find out early than leave it too late.”

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. Later signs can include back, hip or pelvic pain, difficulties with erections or changes to peeing habits. Some urinary issues can be linked to other prostate problems, but experts say it’s important to get them checked.

Consultant urologist Mr Nambi Rajan from Wirral University Teaching Hospital features in the videos explaining who is most at risk and encouraging men to speak to their GP.

“Start thinking about your risk of prostate cancer when you turn 50,” he says. “If there is a family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer, or you are a Black man, your risk is higher. Go to your GP and discuss the pros and cons of having a PSA blood test.”

Another video features Liverpool resident Michael Crowe, who was diagnosed at 48 after encouragement from his sister. As a Black man, he wants others to understand their risk.

“One in eight white men will discover they have prostate cancer, one in four Black men will discover they have it,” he says. “It is very important to have your PSA checked.”

Mr Rajan added: “If you have any urinary symptoms, please don’t ignore them. Early detection of prostate cancer saves lives.”

Possible signs of prostate cancer can include:

• difficulty starting to pee
• weak or interrupted urine flow
• needing to pee often or urgently
• waking in the night to pee
• blood in urine or semen
• erectile problems
• back pain or unexplained weight loss

The campaign video can be viewed here.

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