March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
This is a crucial period dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men in the UK.
The CWU recognises the importance of encouraging men to get tested for prostate cancer, as many diagnoses occur by chance. Lives can be saved through education, early detection, and support.
As stated above, prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK, with over 52,000 men diagnosed each year. This is equivalent to one new diagnosis every 15 minutes with over 12,000 deaths annually, meaning one man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes.
Many early cases show no symptoms, lives can be saved through early detection. Speak to a GP about concerns.
Men over 50 should consider talking to their GP about a PSA blood test, which can help detect prostate cancer early, even before symptoms appear. As explained on the Prostate Cancer UK website, if you are a man over 50, there is currently a one-in-eight chance that you could develop this condition – and if you are a black man over 50, sadly, the danger doubles.
The link below has a video recording of an online CWU Union Learning Rep (ULR) Briefing, delivered on 12th February 2026, explaining how members can support the activities of Prostate Cancer UK, promoting awareness and support to CWU members with the prostate cancer risk checker.
https://education.cwu.org/education/union-learning-reps/ulr-briefing-prostate-cancer-uk/
Online Resources.
Macmillan Cancer Support offers information on prostate cancer symptoms, treatment options, and living with the condition, plus a free support line and online chat.
Prostate Cancer UK provides awareness campaigns, support resources, risk-checking tools, and fundraising challenges like March the Month for awareness and research.
Prostrate Cancer, NHS website provides more information on what prostate cancer is, the symptoms, causes, tests and treatment. Along with help and support.
Remember, Prostate Cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men.
Key reasons awareness campaigns exist include:
- Understanding risk and symptoms: Many early cases show no symptoms, so education can prompt people to speak to a GP about concerns.
- Early detection saves lives: Screening, such as PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests can help find cancer before symptoms develop and improve outcomes.
- Highlighting disparities: Certain groups, such as people of Black/African descent, face higher incidence and more aggressive disease patterns.
- Encouraging support and conversation: These campaigns decrease stigma and promote supportive conversations within families and communities.
Also, please support these charities through donations, volunteering, or fundraising challenges.