An Uncomfortable Observation
Yesterday afternoon,
I went to the Gents, where we have cubicles and no urinals. Next to mine,
someone had entered, taking the standing stance. To my hearing, the stream
continued for a considerable length of time, with different rates of flow.
This might have been
an opportunity to talk to a stranger about "men's things". It may not
be anything serious, but every indication suggested it should be checked out.
When he emerged from the cubicle as I was leaving, it was a middle-aged white
man.
Again, I felt no
particular urgency comes with screening white men for prostate gland issues.
When anything is caught, if it is cancer-related, it is often at a late stage.
As an Englishman, I am wont to mind my own business, but is that a good enough
excuse when you suspect there might be an issue with a stranger's urinary
habits that might portend cancer?
Taking Quiet Action
Having had prostate
cancer and knowing how issues with an enlarged prostate can be easily dismissed
as signs of ageing or nothing of significant concern, I understand the need to
educate people about prostate health. Knowing the symptoms to watch out for is
important.
I have just gone down
to our reception to suggest that some posters be put in the men's toilets
informing them of prostate health issues. I have also received a response that
the posters will be printed and put in the toilets tomorrow.
I hope that in doing
this, men would become more aware of prostate health and go for check-ups if
they are exhibiting any of the symptoms.
References
Blog - Men's
things XXVIII: Shame, no national prostate cancer screening
Blog - Photons
on the Prostate - A year from starting radiotherapy
Blog - A
prostate cancer diagnosis, one year on
Blog - Men's things - Prostate Cancer blogs
 |
| Poster from Prostate Cancer UK - 1-in-8 [PDF] |
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