KNOW
YOUR
NUMBERS
We’re running a series of events encouraging men to test for prostate cancer and manage their health and wellbeing
Approximately 52,300 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – that’s more than 140 a day. It can be prevented if treated early, but research shows that men are less likely to get themselves tested or seek help until the cancer has progressed.
That’s why, for Men’s Health Week (10-16 June), we’re holding a series of events to raise awareness of prostate cancer and help men better manage their health and wellbeing generally.
Ahead of this, we’re launching an initiative to distribute prostate antigen (PSA) tests to all male colleagues, starting at our wellbeing roadshow at the Willesden Junction depot on 30 May. This simple finger-prick blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood and is used to screen for prostate cancer. Healthy men typically have low PSA levels, but these increase as men age and their prostates enlarge.
ACROSS THE UK
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that’s 144 men every day.
Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer – that’s more than 12,000 men every year.
1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Around 490,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer.
Early detection
In the UK, one in eight men will get prostate cancer. It's even more common in black men, with one in four being diagnosed with the condition in their lifetime. You are also at higher risk if you are over 50 or if your brother or dad has had it.
The PSA tests can be done at any age; however, younger men will be at lower risk.
The test is only an indicator as it is not 100 accurate. You should always see your GP if you have any symptoms, regardless of what the PSA tests indicates.
“We have a lot of men on our frontline teams, and we need to encourage them to get tested because early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment,” says Colleen Johnston, health, safety and wellbeing specialist. “This is a collaborative awareness campaign with the ED&I Steering Group, which enabled us to purchase the tests for every male in the business.”
Colleen Johnston
Colleen Johnston
Talking health
Our focus on prostate cancer forms just part of a wider look at men’s health and wellbeing, with events planned around other issues such as diet, lifestyle and mental health, the latter of which is another key focus.
“Research shows us that men often feel like it’s a sign of weakness to speak about their mental health,” says Colleen. “We must remove this stigma and encourage and empower men to discuss their feelings. Ongoing efforts to reduce mental health inequalities are crucial, and raising awareness, providing education, and implementing targeted interventions are essential for further progress.”
We are working with ANDYSMANCLUB, a men’s suicide prevention charity, to raise awareness and share the message that it’s OK not to be OK. On Thursday, 20 June, we are running a brunch and learn at Palestra that is open to all colleagues, giving them the space and ease to chat with each other about their mental health.
“We want to reach everyone with our health and wellbeing programmes and make sure they have the resources and support to live healthier, longer and more fulfilling lives,” says Colleen. “These events will continue throughout the year, not just during Men’s Health Week. We’ll keep doing the wellbeing roadshows at stations across the business and have events throughout the summer and plans for later in the year.”
HERE’S A TASTE OF EVENTS AROUND MEN’S HEALTH THIS SUMMER:
Wednesday 12 June, 13:00 – Men’s health webinar
Thursday 13 June, 9:00-12:00 – Wellbeing day for Control staff
Thursday 20 June, 11:00-13:00 – ANDYSMANCLUB Brunch & Learn at Palestra
Monday 8 July, 21:30-23:00 – Wellbeing evening session at Willesden Junction train care facility
Monday 15 July, 21:30-23:00 – Wellbeing evening session at Wembley train care facility
Health & Wellbeing / ESG roadshows will continue throughout the year
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