Tenovus give Fire Service a health M.O.T
Tuesday 15th June 2010
Every year around 9000 men are diagnosed with cancer, that’s over 22 men every day in Wales alone, sadly resulting in 5,000 deaths. Through early detection this needn’t be the case. Tenovus, Wales’ leading cancer charity will be carrying out a range of health checks for employees of Mid and west Wales Fire Service starting Wednesday 23rd June to raise awareness of cancer in men.
Dr Ian Lewis, Head of Research for Tenovus said,
“June is Male Cancer Awareness Month and Tenovus has launched Tackle It! to raise awareness of men getting cancer – which is 70% more likely in men than women.1
Early detection is the key to battling cancer. We are coming to Mid and West Wales Fire Service to raise awareness of the fact that men are dying of ignorance by not engaging with their GP’s and health services. It is vital that we encourage men to seek support when they have symptoms or health concerns”.
Mid & West Wales Fire Service has 57 stations in the geographical patch that they cover and have first-hand experience of loosing fire fighters over the last few years and not through the dangerous job that they perform - but to cancer.
Kevin Jones, Corporate Head of People and Organisational Development for Mid and West Wales Fire Service said:
“We are extremely pleased to be working with Tenovus as part of our Corporate Health Campaign.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is committed to raising awareness of health and wellbeing within the organisation and as part of our partnership with Tenovus employees will benefit from a one to one health check with specialist advisors.
Over the coming months Tenovus will be visiting key locations throughout the service area providing advice and guidance to Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service employees”.
Around half of all cancers can be prevented by making better lifestyle choices, but since men are more likely to be smokers, drink more alcohol and tend to eat worse diets, cancer is now more common in men than in women. Also, men are less likely to seek medical advice if they suspect something is wrong and potentially miss out on vital early treatment. This lack of early diagnosis is resulting in men dying of ignorance.
It is vital that men contact their GP’s if they have any symptoms or concerns. For more information, advice and support please call the Tenovus Cancer Support Line free on 0808 808 1010
Join Tenovus to help tackle male cancer in Wales by calling 029 2076 8850 or visit www.tenovus.org.uk. Follow us on Twitter or Join our Facebook group Tackle it!
