Chairmans Blog by Alf Turner

I am just going to come right out and say it; “a nag a day, can keep the doctor away”!

It will come as no surprise to any woman that us men can, on occasion, be rather stubborn when it comes to taking care of our health, and I am not just talking about the rash decisions that we routinely take with our DIY efforts.

I mean properly looking after ourselves, having regular check-ups, keeping an eye on those niggles and blemishes, making sure that a cough doesn’t linger too long, and importantly from our perspective, getting a PSA Blood Test to check for signs of prostate cancer.

You women put us men to shame, just look at the wonderful work that has been done to combat breast cancer, routine testing has become a natural part of life. You are of course much more likely to discuss health matters with your friends than men are, and it is these honest, almost casual conversations that have so effectively helped raise awareness of female health issues.

So, how can you help your husbands, dads, uncles, sons, and brothers to live a longer, or more comfortable life?

Well, here are a few facts that can be dropped into a chat for a start.

• The test for prostate cancer no longer involves an ‘invasive’ examination, it’s a simple blood test designed to measure the levels of Prostate Specific Antigens (PSA).
• In the early stages of prostate cancer, most men display no symptoms.
• Prostate Cancer will kill around 12,000 men in the UK this year.
• 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, 1 in 4 if you are black.
• There is a higher risk if a dad or grandad had the disease.
• If caught early, the outcomes for men with prostate cancer are extremely positive.
• Every man over the age of 50 is entitled to a free PSA Blood Test from their GP.

Please tell your menfolk to Get Tested, it’s a small thing that might just save a life, and if it takes a little gentle nagging, it’s certainly worth your effort.

Thank you!
Alf Turner