Doncaster Rovers male fans are being targeted in a new health awareness campaign designed to blow the whistle on prostate cancer.
Over 150 Doncaster men have died from the disease in the past three years, prompting NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to team up with Club Doncaster - Rovers’ community arm - to launch the Dribbling instead of shooting? campaign.
Due to be showcased at Rovers’ home game against Peterborough on Saturday 14 March, the campaign urges male fans to look for the warning signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and is fronted by Rossington GP Dr Khaimraj Singh and patient Trevor Wynn.
Dr Singh said: “If you need to pee more often, find it difficult to pee, have a weak flow, or feel you’ve not fully emptied your bladder when you’ve been to the toilet, tell your doctor. It’s as simple as that.”
Trevor, a former British Gas employee, spotted the signs early and is now fighting fit.
He said: “I went to see my doctor and, because the cancer was caught early, I’m now monitored on an on-going basis and have no problem living with it.”
The campaign poster features former Rovers’ assistant manager Mickey Walker, and current players Harry Forrester and Andy Butler, who took time out of training to help raise awareness amongst fans and their families.
Over 40,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed across the country each year. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause problems, but some can grow quickly and need early treatment. If you are worried about any of the symptoms, you should go and see your doctor.
NHS Doncaster CCG Chair, Dr Nick Tupper, said: “This is the third cancer awareness campaign we’ve run with Rovers this season. We’re grateful for the club’s support in helping us highlight the signs of bowel, lung and prostate cancers as we need to get better at spotting all three earlier in Doncaster.
“Early diagnosis and fast access to curative treatment is the best way to stand up to cancer.”