Blue skies to raise awareness of prostate cancer

During 2015 York Hospital is lighting the skies to promote the awareness of different health campaigns. Following the British Heart Foundation’s ‘healthy hearts’ campaign in February, where the lights above the hospital turned red, they are now blue to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Blue is the colour of the national charity Prostate Cancer UK. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with over 42,000 men diagnosed ever year in the UK. This figure means that there is a 1 in 8 chance of a man getting prostate cancer in his lifetime.

In order to raise awareness locally Urology Department staff at York Hospital have organised a week long awareness campaign. 

Carolyn Bedford, Macmillan Urology Nurse Specialist at York Hospital, said:  “Staff wanted to do something to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer locally. We are passionate about highlighting some of the possible symptoms of prostate cancer, to encourage early detection so that more treatment options can be available. 

“Often men tend not to talk about health issues and can be reluctant to see their GP. However, if you feel that something isn’t right, it’s important that you are checked out.

“Symptoms can include rushing to the toilet to pass urine and doing it more frequently, having difficulty passing urine, feeling like you can’t empty your bladder properly, passing blood in your urine or new bone pain that doesn’t go away.

“These symptoms may not be related to prostate cancer, but your doctor can advise you further.”

As part of its commitment to raising the profile of prostate cancer during this week, as well as turning the lights blue, Urology Nurses, consultants and prostate cancer patients are manning a stand in the foyer of York Hospital this week, to share information, raise awareness and to raise money for the York Teaching Hospital Charity to go towards the Urology Department.

04 March 2015