HARPERBURY BOWLS CLUB
The local bowls club for London Colney, Shenley, Borehamwood and St Stephens
CAPTAIN'S CHARITIES 2023
For 2023 Captain Debbie Trollope has chosen Prostrate Cancer UK as her Charity for the year.
Debbie writes:-
· 1 in 8 men will get this in their lifetime.
· Every 45 mins 1 man dies from this cancer
Prostate cancer is THE most common cancer in men, more than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that is 143 men every day. Around 475,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer including my dad, Les [Harperbury past Captain and past President], and my two cousins.
I am sure we all know someone who has been affected by prostate cancer. Without the research that has gone into how to treat this cancer my family members may not be here. The campaign around educating men about the signs and symptoms and acting quickly is SO important. If prostate cancer is caught men will hopefully die of old age with prostate cancer and not because of prostate cancer.
So – Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, the risk is even higher in black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer. I personally think men should be tested for this 3 yearly just like women are for cervical cancer. I am told the examination is a little uncomfortable as they feel for the prostate gland but it could save lives if it was offered routinely. Let’s face it, it can’t be anymore uncomfortable than a cervical smear test can it and they definitely save lives.
Men can have this cancer in the early stages and not know it. My cousin was found to have it, mentioned it to his brother who had NO signs or symptoms and encouraged him to get tested. He then had to go and convince his GP to examine him. They found a suspicious prostate gland that turned out to be cancerous. He is now fully recovered after chemo and radio therapy.
If you have any symptoms or a family history you should get checked out. It is not always life threatening and if you catch it early it can be treated thanks to research.
Some men are notoriously bad at getting themselves checked out and hoping things will ‘go away’ or being terrified of what might be found. If you do notice changes in the way you urinate, this is more likely to be a sign of a very common non-cancerous problem called an enlarged prostate, or another health problem. But it’s still a good idea to get it checked out. Signs of prostate cancer are:-
· difficulty starting to urinate or emptying your bladder
· a weak flow when you urinate
· a feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied properly
· dribbling urine after you finish urinating
· needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night
· a sudden need to urinate – you may sometimes leak urine before you get to the toilet.
To make a donation to Prostrate Cancer UK click on the button below:-
Captain's Charity 2022
At our presentation lunch in December 2022, Captain Debbie was proud to present a cheque for £1,000 to the Rennie Grove and Peace Hospices. Thanks you everyone who contributed to this wonderful total.
