This Van Can – Help you to check your risk of prostate cancer
The 2023 This Van Can prostate cancer awareness roadshow has now finished, so it is no longer possible to book an appointment. We will now be reviewing the pilot.
The roadshow visited sites across Greater Manchester between May and October 2023 as part of an NHS pilot. It was targeted at black men and people with a prostate aged over 45 who are at greater risk of getting prostate cancer. It was also aimed at men over 45 with a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer. (This means your father or brother has had prostate cancer when they were under the age of 55 or your mother or sister has had breast or ovarian cancer when they were under the age of 50.)
What should I do I visited the van and have not yet had my results?
You should receive your results approximately 2 weeks after you visit the van.
If you have not been contacted, please call – 07974074111 or email – millie.wadley1@nhs.net
What should I do if I am worried about my risk of prostate cancer?
If you have been feeling poorly, unwell or have had a symptom/s for more than 3 weeks, then please contact your surgery and make an appointment with your GP.
If you are black and over 45 or over 45 with a prostate and a history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer in your family, we would recommend that you should speak to your GP to discuss your risk. You may also decide to ask for a PSA test.
What is the PSA test?
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer.
The test does not give a conclusive diagnosis on its own, but together with information about your individual lifestyle and risk it can be a helpful tool for doctors to decide if you may need further tests or treatment. You can find out more on the Prostate Cancer UK website.
What can I do if I don’t have a GP?
If you aren’t registered with a GP, anybody can register for free in England. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS Number.
For more details on how to register please visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/
You can also register at a GP practice in person.
We won’t be able to take your PSA if
- If you have got a urinary infection or had one in the last 6 weeks because this can affect the PSA result
We’d also advise you avoid having a PSA test if you have done any of the activities below as this can effect PSA levels
- Had a urological procedure such as catheter insertion, camera test into your bladder or prostate biopsy in previous 6 weeks
If you have any of the following symptoms we would advise you to contact your GP as you will require a more in depth assessment which cannot be done on the mobile van.
- Lower urinary tract symptoms, such as problems passing urine, such as passing urine a lot at night , frequency , struggling to start or feeling like your bladder hasn’t emptied
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood in your urine
- Lower back or bone pain
- Extreme tiredness lasting more than 3 weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
Why should men check their risk?
Gilbert Morgan, 58, a prostate cancer survivor, dad-of-four and granddad-of-three said:
“We need to kill the taboo and get black men talking about prostate cancer. You need to know your risk. If your dad or brother has had prostate cancer, there’s a much bigger risk.”
Winston Carrington, 72, a granddad-of-three, is supporting the roadshow and urging people to attend.
“Getting checked out was the best thing that could have happened to me. I want to help others realise that there is something you can do about prostate cancer.”
.
Fin McNicol, 55, a father-of-three, who lost his father to prostate cancer, said:
“If like me your dad has had prostate cancer or your brother, it’s really important you know your risk.”
Further Support
National Websites
- Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK
- Black men and prostate cancer | Prostate Cancer UK
- Prostate cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
- Tackle Prostate Cancer
Local support:
- Can-Survive UK – Can-Survive UK provides culturally sensitive support and information for people with cancer, their families and carers.
- BHA for Equality (thebha.org.uk)
- CAHN – Carribean & African Health Network CIC
- Prostate Cancer Support – Stockport
- Prostate Cancer Support (PCS) Salford | Prostate Cancer UK
- Bolton & Districts Prostate Cancer Support Group – Tackle Prostate Cancer
- Prostate Cancer Support (PCS) Droylsden | Cancer Care Map
- Out with Prostate Cancer – Our Group is directed primarily at gay and bisexual men and trans-women
Our partners
This NHS roadshow, led by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, was supported by:
Find out more about ThisVanCan – the prostate cancer awareness van for Greater Manchester – in our news story from March 2023.
