A new NHS mobile ‘clinic in a van’ is coming to Trafford over the coming weeks, allowing staff to talk to men about their risk of prostate cancer.

The This Van Can roadshow is aimed at black men aged over 45 who are more at risk of developing prostate cancer than other men.

Statistics show one in four black men develop prostate cancer in their lives.

The van is also open to all other men and people with a prostate aged over 45 who have a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer.

Those visiting the van can also choose whether or not to have a free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.

During June and July, the roadshow will be visiting locations throughout Trafford including:

  • Limelight Health and Wellbeing Hub, Stretford 
  • BeActive Urmston, Kingsway Park 
  • North Trafford Group Practice, 70 Seymour Grove, Old Trafford 
  • Asda, Altrincham Superstore, 90 George Richards Way, Broadheath
  • Salvation Army, 27 Ashton Lane, Sale
  • White City Retail Park, Chester Road, Stretford

The roadshow is being run by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, working in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, the Caribbean and African Health Network, BHA for Equality and charity Can-Survive UK.

Sotonye Tolofari, a consultant surgeon who treats prostate cancer and Clinical Director for Urological Cancers at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: "Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms.

"We want black men to be aware of the risk and to visit us on board our van when it comes to your area. We are also keen to talk to anyone with a prostate who is over 45 with a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer which can also increase your risk.

"By family history, we mean your father or a brother has had prostate cancer when they were under the age of 55 or your mother or a sister has had breast or ovarian cancer when they were under the age of 50."

Fin McNicol, 55, a father-of-three, from Trafford, who lost his father to prostate cancer, said: "If like me your dad has had prostate cancer or your brother, it’s really important you know your risk. I think this van is a great idea."

For more information on the van, visit www.thisvancan.co.uk.

Appointments can be booked in advance by calling 07974074111 or email millie.wadley1@nhs.net.