Welcome
to the second edition of everyman update!
We have been delighted by the positive reaction that our 'everyman
- action against male cancer' campaign has provoked and would like
to keep you informed of the progress we are making in this vital
area.
Changing
Attitudes
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| Richard
and Judy, hosts of ITV's 'This Morning' show |
In a television first this January, ITV's 'This Morning' show,
hosted by Richard and Judy, included a live demonstration on how
men can examine themselves for testicular cancer.
The demonstration was carried out by resident GP, Dr Chris Steele,
who commented, 'Women know they should examine their breasts, but
how many men know they should be examining their testicles? It's
something we should feel comfortable talking about'.
While 'This Morning' has used volunteers to teach women how to
check themselves for breast cancer for the past eight years, the
fact that this is a 'first', shows just how far we have to go to
make the neglected issue of male cancers more prominent to the public.
The incidence of testicular cancer is rising dramatically and
it is vital that we change attitudes and raise awareness of this
issue if we are going to go on to beat this disease. everyman
is breaking the taboos surrounding men and cancer and gaining media
coverage that encourages men to feel more comfortable about facing
up to this problem. There is still much to be done - but we are
positive that we can build on the early success of everyman
and take the appeal from strength to strength.
For an information sheet detailing how to perform a testicular
self-examination, please call the everyman hot-line on 0800
731 9468.
Political
Backing
In addition to putting male cancers high up on the media's agenda,
everyman has also managed to gain crucial political backing
in the House of Commons.
An All Party Group for Male Cancers, led by Jane Griffiths, (MP
for Reading East), held its inaugural meeting in November of last
year.
Jane commented, 'I hope to get over to men the importance of regular
self-examination as a means of early detection of testicular cancer,
and the importance of being aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer'.
Professor Colin Cooper, Development Director of the Institute's
Male Urological Centre added, "This is an important step forward
in addressing the long term implications of these diseases".
The initiative is a great show of support for everyman in
response to the urgent need for increased research, greater funding
and more awareness of both prostate and testicular cancer.
everyman is pressing for the group to address two key areas:
Firstly, funding for an evaluation of the benefits of early prostate
cancer screening. Secondly, increased resources for basic research
including earlier detection, gene identification and improved medication
in male cancers.
Male cancers are still too often overlooked and remain massively
under-funded. The support of the All Party Group is a vital step
in gaining government recognition of this neglected issue and could
prove invaluable to our aim of winning over cancer.
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