AS we enter March, we recognise Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, an important campaign designed to raise awareness about prostate cancer - the most common cancer among men in the UK.

Every year, around one in eight men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. The statistics are even more concerning for black men, where the rate of diagnosis is one in four.

This month serves as a timely reminder of the importance of early diagnosis and the need to break down the stigma surrounding men’s health issues.

As your MP, I want to take this opportunity to highlight the issue.

Prostate cancer impacts thousands of men every year, yet many remain unaware of the risks and symptoms associated with it.

For those of you who don’t know, the prostate is a small gland below the bladder, and when cancer develops there, it can spread to other parts of the body, becoming life-threatening if it’s not caught early.

Cancer charity Macmillan says recognising the symptoms and understanding the need for regular check-ups is often key to preventing the disease from progressing.

On their website they explain that symptoms can include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or persistent pain in the lower back or hips. However, in its early stages, prostate cancer may not even present any noticeable symptoms, making early detection all the more crucial.

If you are over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer, Macmillan advise you to speak with your GP about your risk. For example, being obese may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Having read some heartbreaking case studies, it appears a major barrier in addressing prostate cancer is the stigma surrounding men’s health, particularly among older generations. Some men say they feel uncomfortable discussing health concerns, especially when it involves personal and intimate issues like prostate problems.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month presents an annual opportunity to break down these barriers, encouraging men to seek help without feeling embarrassed. Open conversations with your doctor, family, or friends are vital for early diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes.

The campaign also provides an opportunity for us all to reflect on the personal impact of prostate cancer. It affects not only patients but also their families and friends. We think of those who are fighting and have bravely fought through treatment and recovery, and remember those who have tragically lost their battle with the disease.

I sincerely hope this article encourages you to take the steps you need to reduce your risk – and the risk of your loved ones.

Early detection saves lives, and by working together, we can raise awareness, support research, and ultimately defeat this dreadful disease.

Let’s unite this March to break the stigma, raise awareness, and make a lasting impact in the fight against prostate cancer.

Mel Stride

MP for Central Devon