Ethnic Risk
Ethnic Risk!
Middle aged men in the West with an Afro Caribbean background are at greater risk of getting prostate cancer according to new research.
David Gillatt, Senior Urologist at the Bristol Urology Institute at Southmead Hospital, says Afro-Caribbean men are three times more likely to contract the disease, which claims the lives of 14,000 men in the UK every year.
“This emphasises still further the need for men from certain ethnic backgrounds to visit their GPs for regular checks,” he says.
“Generally a 50 year old man has a one in 11 chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, but it’s a disease that many do not want to talk about. A simple diagnostic blood test could save their life – and it’s even more important for men with an Afro Caribbean background.”
The research will be presented to prostate cancer specialists at a conference in Bristol later this year, but David Gillatt says men should talk to their GP’s and have a PSA blood test if they’re worried.
One man literally taking the advice on board is 53-year-old Bristol businessman Yousouf Ramlugon, who comes originally from Mauritius.
Mr. Ramlugon, the Managing Director of Motaman (Bristol) Ltd., says it’s common sense to have a blood test.
“It appears that men are dying needlessly and in ignorance. I decided to have my PSA checked because ignorance is not always bliss. If prostate cancer is caught early the chances of it being treated successfully are much higher.
“I’d advise men who may be worried to talk to their GP – they might be scared, but it’s better than being scared to death!”
Motaman is also supporting Run for the Future, a 5km run on the Downs in Bristol on 16 September, which has been organised by Bristol Rotarians to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funds for the BUI Bristol Prostate Cancer Appeal.
For further information, or to participate in the event, visit the website at www.runforthefuture.org or phone the Run for the Future office on 0117 9596328 for a Registration form.
* Picture shows Yousouf Ramlugon, MD of Motaman (Bristol) Ltd, with Urology Nurse Anna Dimes and Senior Urologist at the BUI, David Gillatt.
