David Rees AM signs for Men United v. Prostate Cancer

Aberavon’s Assembly Member, David Rees, is the latest signing to Prostate Cancer UK’s new campaign Men United v Prostate Cancer, a unique team which seeks to unite people across the UK against the common enemy of prostate cancer. David joined the team at an event held by the charity at the Welsh Assembly to get decision-makers on board with the charity’s campaign to improve life for Welsh men with prostate cancer. Research for Prostate Cancer UK shows that nearly 650,000 people in Wales know someone who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer but nearly six in ten (56%) people in Wales say they don’t feel personally informed about the disease.

Each year almost as many men are diagnosed with prostate cancer as women are diagnosed with breast cancer but research in to the disease has historically been badly underfunded, leaving tests and treatments trailing behind other common cancers. In addition the quality and availability of treatment can vary across the UK. Men United v Prostate Cancer, the brainchild of Britain’s foremost male health charity – Prostate Cancer UK – is about fighting this apathy and neglect which surrounds the disease. David will be joining tens of thousands who have already signed up including comedian Bill Bailey, Welsh Olympic legend Colin Jackson and national treasure Sir Michael Parkinson.

David said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, affecting many in my constituency alone.  If we are going to beat this killer we need as many people as possible to sign for Men United. By uniting together and taking action for men’s health, we can bring about real change. I’m proud to able to show my support to the campaign and I urge everyone to get on board. It’s easy – just search Men United online and you’re in! Prostate cancer is a massive opponent but I firmly believe that with the right team we can beat it!”

Dr. Ed Bridges, Senior Policy and Strategy Manager for Wales at Prostate Cancer UK said: ‘Survival rates for men with prostate cancer lag behind those in the rest of the UK and too often the services men need are out of reach. We know from the Welsh Government’s Cancer Patient Experience Survey that things are getting better for men in Wales but we still lag behind other parts of the UK. That is why Prostate Cancer UK is here to support men in Wales and we call on the people who can make change to join us in leading change.

We need to bring cancer support services to the men who need them when they need them, so we’ve rolled out new support services in the country. We’re upping our campaigning work to talk to decision makers on home turf and leading research at Welsh universities. What’s more, we’ve launched Men United, a vehicle for men across the country to come together to fight the injustices facing men. I want people across Wales to join us and sign for Men United because while cancer is a formidable opponent we can win this. It is great that David is on board.’

 Men United – The Facts:

• Men United v Prostate Cancer is our call for men to join together in a movement against the common enemy of prostate cancer. The aim is to build a united front of men against this disease. We want to get the message out about one of the UK’s biggest man killers, support men affected by it, and intensify the search for more reliable tests and treatments for the future.
• Men are being asked to sign for Men United by visiting www.prostatecanceruk.org/menunited where they can also test their health knowledge by taking a quick quiz.
• The core audience is men over 45 who urgently need to know about this disease, and to do something about it. Men United is not exclusively for men. This is a movement for men, but women will be critical supporters and activists within it. But, the core idea is that men are very consciously facing their health and banding together to right a wrong.
• Whether they’ve been diagnosed or are simply concerned about prostate cancer, men can find out about the disease at www.prostatecanceruk.org.

About Prostate Cancer UK:

• Prostate Cancer UK fights to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life. We support men and provide vital information. We find answers by funding research into causes and treatments. And we lead change, raising the profile of the disease and improving care. We believe that men deserve better.
• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. Over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. Every hour 1 man dies from prostate cancer. One in four Black men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
• Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can call Prostate Cancer UK’s confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org. The helpline is free to landlines, staffed by specialist nurses, and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.