Regional MSP Graham Simpson is backing a campaign in betting shops to raise awareness about a disease which kills almost 1000 men a year in Scotland.
William Hill, one of the largest retail bookmakers in Scotland, is partnering with Prostate Cancer UK and industry trade association ABB Scotland this summer in a bid to provide potentially life saving information and support to men at risk of developing the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men, with one in eight men likely to get the disease at some point in their lives. However, it can often be successfully treated if caught early enough. Awareness of risk is a man’s chief defence against the disease.
Throughout the campaign, which runs until the end of August, prostate cancer information and leaflets will be available within all 310 William Hill shops in Scotland, awareness posters will be displayed on washroom doors, and all staff will receive training on key prostate cancer messages to bring up in conversation with customers.
Mr Simpson said “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the disease kills one man every 45 minutes in the UK. More than 3,000 men in Scotland are diagnosed with the disease, and almost 1,000 men die from prostate cancer. Early detection of all cancers is crucial and we must build on the progress that has been made over recent years. We must increase the proportion of cancers that are detected at the earliest opportunity, increasing the chances of survival.
“I would like to thank William Hill and Prostate Cancer UK for all the work they do to raise awareness in order to save lives”.
Gerard McMahon, Change Delivery Officer for Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Prostate Cancer UK’s ambition is to stop men dying from prostate cancer and to achieve this it is crucial to reach as many men as possible to help raise awareness of their risk. Partnering with William Hill provides an opportunity to get these important health messages out to many men in Scotland whilst raising funds too.
“We thank Graham Simpson for raising awareness of the disease in his local area, and his commitment to the cause. We look forward to engaging with more men across the whole of Scotland over the next few months to help beat this disease.”
Garry Fenton, William Hill Scotland Manager said: “It is a privilege for William Hill to be partnering with Prostate Cancer UK, who do such vital work in tackling the disease.