The ThisVanCan roadshow is aimed at black men over 45 who are more at risk of developing prostate cancer than other men. 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 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.
Consultant surgeon Sotonye Tolofari treats prostate cancer and is clinical director for urological cancers at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance.
He said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms.
“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.”
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 be receive their results within a couple of weeks. They will be 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 home or work and come and have a chat with our team.”
The roadshow is run by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance – part of the NHS – in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, the Caribbean and African Health Network, BHA for Equality and charity Can-Survive UK.
Gilbert Morgan (58), a prostate cancer survivor from Moston, is urging black men to be aware of their prostate cancer risk.
Gilly Morgan is urging men to be more aware of their prostate cancer risk
Gilly had a PSA blood test in 2014 and the results showed he required further investigation. He had further tests including an internal examination and biopsy, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had surgery to remove his prostate and is now fit, healthy and living a good life.
The dad-of-four and a grandad-of-three said: “When I was told I had prostate cancer my world fell apart. But now I know if you catch it early it is so much easier to treat.
“We need to kill the taboo and get black men talking about prostate cancer. You need to know your risk. This van will help do that.
“This van will help start conversations that need to happen. We need to go to people and speak their language. If your dad or brother has had prostate cancer, there’s a much bigger risk.
“Black men over 45 are more likely to develop prostate cancer. If you’re black, male and over 45 I’d encourage you to attend an appointment – and if appropriate have the PSA test. It might just save your life.”
ThisVanCan Bolton locations
- 25 July – Burnden Retail Park (Asda), Manchester Road, Bolton, BL3 2QS
- 29 July – Burnden Retail Park (Asda), Manchester Road,Bolton, BL3 2QS
- 31 July – Asda Bolton Superstore, Moss Bank Way, Astley Bridge, Bolton, BL1 8QG
- 2 August – Breightmet Health Centre, Breightmet Fold Lane, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 6NT
- 5 August – Bolton town centre, Oxford Street, just off Victoria Square by Bolton Town Hall
- 9 August – Middlebrook Retail Park, 37 The Linkway, Horwich, Bolton BL6 6JA
Appointment are available to book in advance
Call 07974074111 or email millie.wadley1@nhs.net.
Find out more about prostate cancer on the Prostate Cancer UK website or take a 30 second risker checker.
Find out more about ThisVanCan
