A campaign to raise awareness about a disease which kills almost 1000 men a year in Scotland has been congratulated by the Scottish Conservatives Health Spokesman Miles Briggs.
William Hill, one of the largest retail bookmakers in Scotland, is partnering with Prostate Cancer UK this summer in a bid to provide potentially lifesaving information and support to men at risk of developing the disease.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men, with one in eight men likely to get the disease at some point in their lives. However, it can often be successfully treated if caught early enough. Awareness of risk is a man’s chief defence against the disease. Men over 50, men with a family history of the disease and black men are more at risk and should speak to their doctor if they have concerns.
Over the last couple of months, prostate cancer information and leaflets have been available within all 310 William Hill shops in Scotland, awareness posters are displayed on washroom doors, and all staff have received training on key prostate cancer messages to bring up in conversation with customers. Volunteers from Prostate Cancer UK, who have lived or are currently living with the disease, have visited shops and talked to staff and customers about their own experiences.
Fundraising has been a key component of the partnership. Customers have the opportunity to buy one of the charity’s ‘Man of Men’ pin badges in store or simply donate via collection tins which will be in each store. Customers and employees have been volunteering and taking part at Prostate Cancer UK fundraising events over the summer including the charity’s March for Men in Glasgow over Father’s Day weekend.
Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative Lothian MSP & Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Sport and Co-Convener of the Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Cancer, said: “This has been a very successful and innovative new partnership between William Hill and Prostate Cancer UK which has seen high quality information on prostate cancer made available in every William Hill shop in Scotland and providing a significant boost to the charity’s fundraising efforts.
“This partnership is doing a great deal to raise awareness of prostate cancer among men, including those who may be reluctant to go to their GP to discuss health concerns, and this is really important as early detection is vital to ensure the highest possible chances of successful treatment.
“I wish the campaign every success over its final month.”
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