The ThisVanCan roadshow is aimed at black men aged over 45 who are more at risk of developing prostate cancer. 1 in 4 black men will develop prostate cancer.
The van is also open to all other men and people with a prostate aged over 45 who have a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer. This means:
- your father or brother had prostate cancer when they were under the age of 55
- or your mother or sister has had breast or ovarian cancer when they were under the age of 50.
This is because family history can also increase your risk of developing prostate cancer
People visiting the van can also choose whether or not to have a free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.
Visit the roadshow
The roadshow will be in Wigan and Leigh on:
- 17 October – Robin Retail Park, 1 Loire Drive, Wigan WN5 0UL
- 18 October – Tesco, Central Park, Wigan WN1 1XE
- 21 October – Tesco, Central Park, Wigan WN1 1XE
- 23 October – Leigh Sports Village – Leigh Sports Stadium, Sale Way, Leigh WN7 4JY
- 24 October – Tesco, The Loom, Derby St, Leigh WN7 4BA
- 28 October – Tesco, The Loom, Derby St, Leigh WN7 4BA
Appointments are available to book in advance. Call 07974074111 or email millie.wadley1@nhs.net.
Identifying prostate cancer early saves lives
Mr Sotonye Tolofari, a consultant surgeon who treats prostate cancer and Clinical Director for Urological Cancers at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms. You are more at risk of developing prostate cancer if you’re black and over 45 than other people.
“We want black men to be aware of the risk and to visit us on board our van when it comes to your area.
“We will chat to you about what might increase your risk of prostate cancer and discuss the implications of having a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.”
Prostate specific antigen tests
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, but not necessarily cancer.
The test does not give a conclusive diagnosis on its own, but together with information about your individual lifestyle and risk it can be a helpful tool for doctors to decide if you may need further tests or treatment.
Men who have a PSA test while visiting the van will receive their results within a couple of weeks and referred for further investigations if needed.
Mr Tolofari added: “If prostate cancer is caught early, before symptoms appear, it’s easier to treat. ThisVanCan means you can book an appointment close to your home or work to have a chat with our team.”
Find out more about prostate cancer on the Prostate Cancer UK website or take a 30 second risker checker.
The roadshow is run by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance which is part of the NHS. It is working in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, the Caribbean and African Health Network, BHA for Equality and the charity Can-Survive UK.
Find out more about This Van Can
