Bruno encourages men to talk about cancer

The earlier a cancer is detected, the more chance doctors have of successfully treating it. In fact, in many cancers, around 90% of cases can be successfully treated if found at an early stage.

However, a recent nationwide survey revealed nearly 50% of people would have concerns about seeking help from the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic leading to fears within the NHS that early detection rates could decline over the coming weeks.

Bruno, is backing a new campaign by the club's official charity to highlight the importance of talking about your health and to seek help if you are concerned.

As part of its Speak Up Against Cancer campaign, Albion in the Community will focus on promoting the signs and symptoms of prostate, bowel, and lung cancer throughout the spring on social media and through a series of online webinars.

The key message from Albion in the Community is: Make talking about your health part of your everyday conversations. Talk to your loved ones, friends, and family and most importantly, talk to your doctor when you have any concerns.

This is a message endorsed by Bruno, who said, “One in two men will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. The earlier a cancer is discovered, the more likely it is to be successfully treated.

“I want to encourage men to talk more about their health, and particularly when they have concerns about any signs and symptoms of cancer. The more we talk about our bodies and make the signs and symptoms of cancer part of our everyday conversations we can reduce the fear surrounding the word 'cancer' and start to catch it early.”

Albion in the Community's Speak Up Against Cancer campaign has been helping to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of different cancers locally since it launched in 2015 with volunteers sharing their individual experiences of cancer at local events and more recently through online webinars. The project is funded by Brighton & Hove NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and Brighton & Hove City Council.

Throughout the spring the charity will be holding a series of online webinars on men's health to encourage people to talk more about cancer and be aware of the signs and symptoms of prostate, bowel and lung cancer. 

Sue Brown is health manager at the charity. She said: “The NHS is still very much open for business and if anyone is concerned about any signs or symptoms of cancer they should speak to their GP.

“It is really important people don't bury their head in the sand and ignore what their bodies are telling them. Do talk with your friends and family and get in touch with your GP.”

The first of the live webinars will take place on 31 March at 6.30pm hosted by former Albion star Guy Butters with special guests talking about football and men's health. To register your interest in joining the session please email: speakup@albioninthecommunity.org.uk

For more information on the most common cancers – including personal testimonies from people discussing their own experiences – visit: www.speakupagainstcancer.org.