Unite NEYH launches prostate cancer campaign

Unite has today (28 March) launched a new website to raise awareness on Prostate Cancer for reps, and to help them run campaigns and negotiate support measures with employers.

Unite North East Yorkshire and Humber (NEYH) has partnered with Prostate Cancer UK to ask employers to run a prostate cancer risk awareness raising campaign in the workplace.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK, and the new Unite Prostate Cancer: Unite, Raising Awareness website has a comprehensive Toolkit and is packed full of practical resources from Unite and the charity.

Early diagnosis can save lives and the toolkit has lots of guides and links to help raise awareness of testing, as well as campaigning for workplace support for those living with prostate cancer post treatment.

Karen Reay Regional Secretary for Unite NEYH said, “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK and will touch the lives of many Unite members. We estimate that over 45 percent of Unite members in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber region fall into the high risk category for prostate cancer.”

“It’s crucial to highlight that early-stage prostate cancer is very curable with almost 100 percent of men diagnosed with Stages 1 or 2 surviving their first five years or more following their diagnosis.1 In comparison, only 50 percent of men diagnosed at Stage 4 will survive five years or more after diagnosis. Which is why risk awareness is so important.”

“Unite NEYH is proud to be working with Prostate Cancer UK on this important campaign.”

Lubna Latif Curtis, Health Influencing Senior Officer at Prostate Cancer UK, said, “Men living with incontinence, especially after prostate cancer surgery, should be able to work and go about their day without worrying about basic facilities. Many struggle with finding sanitary bins to dispose of used pads discreetly, which negatively impacts their mental and physical health. This situation needs to be addressed and improved.”

“1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer – and it’s now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in England. But the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. As the disease often has no symptoms in its earlier stages, it’s vital to know your risk of getting it.”

“Prostate Cancer UK are delighted to partner with Unite reps in Yorkshire and Humber to raise awareness about prostate cancer risk and male incontinence in workplaces. The initiative aims to advocate for men affected by these issues and push for changes to support men whilst at work.”

Take Prostate Cancer UK’s 30-second online Risk Checker to find out your risk and what you can do about it.

You can find the Prostate Cancer toolkit and other resources here. 

Find out about Unite in action and how a rep in Hull has negotiated facilities for male colleagues in her workplace here. 

By Keith Hatch