Doncaster Rovers are launching a month long campaign to raise awareness of prostate cancer this month (March).
The club have joined forces with NHS Doncaster CCG (clinical commissioning group) to make fans aware of the signs and symptoms of this killer disease during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Rovers’ chief executive Gavin Baldwin explained why the club have got behind this campaign. He said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. 250,000 men are currently living with the disease.
“Doncaster Rovers management, the team, and everyone involved with the club want to do their bit to raise awareness of the symptoms of prostate cancer and help people to recognise what these might be and take action. Early detection can make a real difference and we want our fans to be aware what to look out for.”
Despite the fact that 10,000 men die each year from prostate cancer many people remain unaware of the condition. Only men have a prostate gland. The prostate is usually the size and shape of a walnut. It lies underneath the bladder and surrounds the tube (the urethra) that men pass urine and semen through.
Problems passing urine are often one of the first symptoms people notice, however this may be mild and happen over many years. For some men the first noticeable symptoms are from prostate cancer which has spread to their bones. If this happens, the sufferer could notice pain in the back, hips or pelvis that was not there before. These symptoms could be caused by illnesses but it is still a good idea to get them checked out by a GP.
The club and players will be taking part in a number of events throughout the month to raise awareness at games, in the programme, on the website and through their social media channels. To kick off the campaign there will be a bucket collection at the Rovers v Hartlepool game on March 2.
“We are sure that some fans of Doncaster Rovers will have been touched by this cancer either themselves, or through family and friends. We want to make it part of everyone’s awareness.”
Prostate cancer awareness month runs throughout the March and a number of activities will be taking place during the month, please support the team promote these messages to friends and family.
Rovers have produced a short video to help raise awareness of prostate cancer which can be viewed HERE