Prostate Cancer Awareness
Compared to all the many dangers that the legendary Sir Stirling Moss has had to face over his years in motor racing, the threat of prostate cancer seems rather tame. However speaking at a recent press launch to increase awareness of prostate cancer Sir Stirling described his own experience after a diagnosis in 2001, but he was emphatic in his advice that the condition can be dealt with successfully. Sir Stirling stressed that it is imperative that every male in the ‘at risk’ group (men over 45) should have a regular check up because in his own case early detection meant that his treatment was completely effective. Whilst many other men have not been so fortunate, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men as 27,000 are diagnosed with it every year in the UK and of these 11,000 will die from it. This compares with 40,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year and 15,000 dying from it.

United to spread the Prostrate Cancer Awareness message, Gary Steele, Martin Wills, Sir Stirling Moss, Jim Rosenthal, Theresa May MP, Billy Ocean and Mr Omer Karim

Prostate cancer does not attract anything like the press coverage that breast cancer gets and it remains a topic that is too often avoided either through embarrassment or ignorance. Many men are simply unaware of the potential risk, which is why Sir Stirling Moss, Theresa May MP, R&B singer Billy Ocean and F1 sports presenter Jim Rosenthal all gathered at the Bridge Clinic in Maidenhead to pose for the cameras and lend their support to promoting Prostate Cancer Awareness. Also present was Martin Wills who races an MGF in the MGOC race series. Martin’s 2005 season will be sponsored by the Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign and he carries their logos on his racecar.

Theresa May MP chats with Sir Stirling Moss and MGOC race driver Martin Wills

The Prostate Cancer Awareness group decided to target motor sport fans and car enthusiasts in their campaign to alert men of the potential dangers of this condition. Their message is clear prostate cancer is becoming one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the UK and this is expected to triple during the next 20 years. Prostate cancer is not an old man’s disease as more men in their 40s, 50s and 60s are increasingly being diagnosed and any man over 45 should have regular check ups. Prostate cancer does not always have any obvious symptoms which makes it so much harder to detect which is why those of us in the ‘at risk’ group must make the time to visit our GP and get checked. The central message of the awareness campaign is that every man over 45 should have regular check ups to ensure that the cancer is identified at an early stage. The first step is a simple blood test and a check-up for prostate cancer doesn’t always include a physical examination.

Martin Wills with Billy Ocean at the wheel and Jim Rosenthal behind him, about the flagged away by Sir Stirling who is temporarily wheelchair bound after back problems

Martin Wills with his MGF race car

Theresa May tries the kart

Jim Rosenthal and Martin Wills chat with Sir Stirling Moss

Gary Steele who set up the group in 2000 spoke of the lack of awareness among men in the ‘at risk’ age groups and the general apathy that too many men display towards their personal health. Gary observed that when our immaculate MGs require attention for the slightest problem we are instantly on the phone for replacement parts or booking our precious cars in for an expert opinion. If the engine isn’t running correctly it’s off to the nearest rolling road for specialist attention but when it comes to our health we are reluctant to seek expert advice. Perhaps those of us over 45 should regard a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test in the same context as an MoT for our MG. If a fault shows at the test it can be dealt with quickly and this is just as true for our cars as it is for our own bodies.

Consultant Urologist Surgeon Mr Omar Karim spoke of advances in surgery and the success of treatment for prostate cancer and improved survival rates of between 70 and 80% for patients with an early diagnosis. Treatments can range from surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone treatment to brachytherapy where radioactive ‘seeds’ are implanted directly into the tumour. He explained that after treatment patients can expect to return to a normal life but he too stressed the need for regular check ups and the importance of early diagnosis.

Consultant Urologist Surgeon MR Omer Karim

The key message of the Awareness campaign is that prostate cancer is a real and growing threat but if detected early it can be successfully treated. It is only when it goes undetected that it can become life threatening. For some men there are clear symptoms, such as pain when passing urine, frequent need to pee especially at night, blood in the urine and pain or stiffness in the lower back, spine or hips, any of these should be immediately reported to your GP. However, it is possible to suffer from prostate cancer and exhibit no symptoms whatsoever, which is why the regular PSA tests are so important. Sir Stirling Moss explained to me that PSA levels are different for each individual, it is an abnormally high level or a rise in the PSA level between tests that can provide a clear indication that further investigation is necessary. Sir Stirling is no stranger to risk and throughout his career he has always raced the fastest sports and racing cars available, in the early days he drove without a safety harness and nothing more than a Patey Polo helmet and a pair of cotton overalls for protection. When Sir Stirling tells you that you are at risk and need to get your PSA levels checked, I think you would be well advised to take notice.

Richard Ladds

Gary Steele has been campaigning since 2000 and will talk to clubs or groups about prostate cancer. He also sets up information centres at venues throughout the country. For more information you can contact him on 01606 553097 or visit the Prostate Cancer Awareness website http://www.pcan-leighton.fsnet.co.uk. or call their Helpline on 0845 4560678