Barnstaple group raises awareness for prostate cancer

A group of men with prostate cancer have come together to encourage more men to get themselves checked for the disease.

Graham Turner, 81, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer four years ago, is one of three men behind the initiative, Below The Belt, alongside George and Brian.

They met at the Fern Centre, a wellness facility in Barnstaple that provides support and information for those affected by cancer and their families.

Graham explained: “A few of the men who met through the centre realised there was nowhere for men to pick up information about prostate cancer. So, we reached out to Prostate Cancer UK and in that conversation, we asked if a few men would be willing to set up a stall to raise awareness. 

“Prostate Cancer UK said, 'Yes, we think it's a great idea, take it into your community and encourage men to have this simple blood test to check for cancer.'”

So the group decided to attend local markets to distribute leaflets, offer advice and encourage men to get tested. 

However, funding quickly became an issue.

“Then we found out we had no money,” Graham told the Gazette. 

Fortunately, one of the men supporting the initiative was a member of the local Rotary Club, which stepped in and donated £200 to help set up their first awareness stall, at South Molton market before Christmas. It proved successful. 

They then approached Barnstaple Pannier Market, which was too busy to accommodate them before the festive period but later agreed to a regular slot. 

“After Christmas, they said yes – it's £8 a week, and you need public liability insurance. The Rotary Club offered to cover our expenses,” Graham explained.

Now, the group is hosting monthly stalls on the last Friday of every month at the pannier market to spread their crucial message. 

“The biggest thing for me is that prostate cancer has now become one of the biggest killers,” Graham said. “We’re getting more women picking up booklets from us because the men often deny anything is wrong with them.”

To avoid overwhelming people, the group limits the number of volunteers at each stall to two or three members at a time.

Graham recalled a particularly emotional encounter with a woman who came to pick up leaflets for her husband, who even showing all the signs of prostate cancer he said there was nothing wrong with him. 

“She was ill and worried that she couldn’t look after her husband, so she wanted him to get a diagnosis for some clarity. That really upset me,” he said. 

Graham explained that the woman, who was not in the best of health herself, was concerned about how she would manage to care for him. 

She took a couple of leaflets home in the hope that he would read them.

Graham shared that the information on his group’s stall enables men to learn about prostate cancer in the comfort of their own home and understand the importance of early detection.

“People need to read about this and learn the symptoms, what to look out for.”

The group is also reaching out to other local organisations, such as Men's Sheds, to further spread awareness. 

They are also still looking for funding for a red table cloth with Below The Belt on it.

Graham has also spoken to doctors about the importance of regular prostate cancer testing. “A few years ago, doctors were refusing to give blood tests, but now, with so many people coming into surgeries, they’re taking a more proactive approach – especially after Chris Hoy’s diagnosis,” he said. 

The group hopes to connect with local organisations, clubs, and community spaces where their information could be beneficial to members. 

They are encouraging anyone who believes their stall would be useful to the community to get in touch and arrange a visit. 

The group offers free information on prostate cancer awareness, including the importance of early detection and blood testing, and can also provide a short talk on the subject. 

All resources are provided at no cost, including visits to clubs. 

For more information, visit their stall at the market or contact Graham via email (graham.turner127@hotmail.co.uk)

Originally from Manchester, Graham moved to North Devon to build a better life for his children. Now he is determined to make a difference in raising awareness for prostate cancer. 

He explained that anyone can be involved with the group. 

His message is clear: “If you ignore it, you’ll need operations, you’ll get ill and someone will have to look after you. Just come along, take a leaflet, and read about it.”

Chiara De Biase, director of health services, equity and improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We're really grateful to Graham and Below the Belt for their work making men in Barnstable aware of their prostate cancer risk and what they can do about it.

“In the South West, 5,036 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, according to the latest data. Tragically, more than one in five of these men are diagnosed when their disease has spread and can't be cured. 

“But the good news is the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat — and an earlier diagnosis could save your life.

“Most men with early-stage prostate cancer don't get any symptoms, so instead of looking for signs of being unwell, it's vital you know your risk of getting it and what you can do about it. 

“If you're a man over 50, you are at risk of getting prostate cancer so speak to your GP about the PSA blood test. 

“We're working with Sir Chris Hoy and Marks & Spencer this month to encourage men across the UK to take Prostate Cancer UK's 30-second online Risk Checker — and I urge you to go online and take it today!”