GIDLEY LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER INEQUALITIES

12.00.00am GMT Tue 18th Mar 2008

Local MP and Lib Dem Shadow Health Minister, Sandra Gidley, has joined with experts to launch a campaign to end inequalities in prostate cancer and mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Week.

Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men. It is also a major killer, directly resulting in around 10,000 deaths a year. That's why Sandra has teamed-up with the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action - a campaigning coalition of charities and health professionals committed to tackling the disease. Together, they have launched the Countdown to Equality, which sets out the steps that need to be taken to eliminate the inequalities that continue to affect men with prostate cancer.

Commenting on the launch, Sandra said:

"Raising awareness of prostate cancer is crucial if we are to effectively tackle the disease.

"I am delighted to be able to participate in Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. I am also committed to playing my part in tackling the inequalities which continue to scar prostate cancer care.

"Every man should have equal access to high quality treatment and care and I am determined to play my part in making this happen. That is why over the coming months I will be campaigning to ensure that the Government fully and rapidly implements the Charter's new calls.

"I urge all men across Hampshire and elsewhere to watch out for symptoms of prostate cancer, and to get themselves checked if they are at all worried. With a little more education we can begin to tackle this often overlooked condition."

Diagram showing the location of the prostate gland

ENDS