Don't be embarrassed! Specialists launch Men's Health Week! 7th to 12th November.

“Don’t be embarrassed” is the message from GPs, pharmacists and healthcare professionals across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

From Monday 7th to Saturday 12th November, Lingen Davies Cancer Fund’s LiveLife Cancer Awareness team will be working with local health partners to promote men’s health for Shropshire’s very own ‘Men’s Health Week‘.

It has been planned to tie in with the national ‘Movember’ initiative, and locally will raise awareness of key health issues including prostate cancer symptoms, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening and the prevalence of hidden mental health concerns.

Claire Purcell and Miranda Ashwell from the LiveLife team will be attending various public events to share cancer related information and help people better understand the signs and symptoms of cancer.

The events will run on:

· Wednesday, 9th November at The Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury, SY1 1PL 10am-4pm

· Thursday, 10th November at Telford Shopping Centre, Telford TF3 4BX 8.30am-8pm

· Saturday, 12th November at the AFC Telford match in Wellington, TF1 2TU 12-3pm

· Saturday, 12th November at the Shrewsbury Town FC match SY2 6ST 12-3pm

As well as Claire and Miranda, local GPs, pharmacists, mental health therapists, and screening specialists will also be on hand to talk to people. Covid boosters will also be available at the Telford Shopping Centre event between 11am and 4pm.

Miranda said: “A huge part of our work is getting out and about in the community, talking to people and raising awareness about cancer. We know men in particular can find it hard to talk and we’re really pleased to be part of Shropshire’s Men’s Health Week giving men – and women – the chance to easily access health professionals in these locations.”

Local GP and Clinical Lead for South-East Shropshire, Dr Jess Harvey, said: “We decided to hold a campaign across the county to highlight the importance of men’s health. “We are holding four pop-up events throughout the week, and will be visiting local shopping centres and football matches. We’re really looking forward to chatting with passers-by and giving advice where needed.”

Dr Nick White, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: “We know men can sometimes be embarrassed of physical symptoms, but this is what we are trained for.

“We are urging men across the county to come forward and book an appointment with a GP if something doesn’t feel right – maybe you’re going to the toilet too often, have found a lump or are feeling down. We’re here to help.

“I’m sure we all know someone who is experiencing a worrying symptom and yet doesn’t feel comfortable seeking medical help. My simple message is this – there is no need to be embarrassed, we have seen it all, so please get an appointment booked with a doctor,” he said.