Now a couple of months in the past, Movember (the place males develop moustaches to focus on well being points and lift important funds) rightly shines a light-weight on a variety of males’s well being points, from psychological well being to testicular most cancers and prostate most cancers. I can solely communicate with authority about considered one of them. I didn’t die from prostate most cancers, recognized 20 years in the past. 

We work in a male-dominated business the place many individuals make their residing fixing issues that break. What we typically neglect is that we additionally generate profits from upkeep. That applies to our our bodies as a lot as our techniques. 

At Intatec, we now have spent a long time designing and supplying units you by no means discover as a result of they’ve carried out their job. Quiet security measures, inbuilt early, as a result of ready for hurt to occur isn’t acceptable. 

I’m 77 now. In my late 50s, a easy PSA blood check confirmed I had prostate most cancers. Again then, luck performed a much bigger half than it ought to have in whether or not you have been screened. Mine was caught early and handled efficiently with radiotherapy. 

Early motion offers you choices. It’s the distinction between one thing manageable and months, typically years, of penalties. 

Clive Reeves from our PR staff additionally had prostate most cancers, recognized at 57, and handled early after a PSA check was included in blood exams investigating fixed fatigue. Like me, he selected radiotherapy. He says the principle aspect impact has been fatigue. 4 years on, he says he is filled with life once more… though, taking a look at him, it’s tough to inform!  

What issues is that this. A PSA check is a blood check. It’s not invasive. It’s not automated. It begins with a dialog together with your GP, and also you determine what occurs subsequent. 

Keep away from delay
Many males nonetheless keep away from speaking about intimate well being until one thing forces the problem, delay turns into the default. I’ve seen too many wise males use uncertainty as a purpose to do nothing. 

Clive and I are each alive due to early testing.  

At Inta, we give folks day off to attend GP appointments as a result of we all know an hour on the GP is price greater than per week of fear. And if you’re self-employed, as many plumbers and installers are, you should make that point your self. 

After Movember, and all of the campaigning that comes with it, the brand new 12 months looks like the fitting second to cease speaking and do one easy factor. Ask the query. Get the check. 

NHS recommendation on PSA Checks will be discovered right here. 

If the thought of going straight to your GP looks like a giant step, Prostate Most cancers UK has clear, sensible info and a confidential specialist nurse helpline the place you possibly can speak issues by first. Both method, don’t put it off. 

All of us begin a brand new 12 months with plans to do extra and earn extra. None of it issues if you’re not nicely sufficient to take pleasure in it. 

There’s a lot to sit up for in 2026. Be sure you are round, and match sufficient, to be a part of it. 

Picture: Stuart Gizzi, Intatec