A Liverpool man is raising awareness about the risk of prostate cancer that men face, especially Black men who are twice as likely to get the condition.
Mervyn Lynch, 50 read an article last year that stated one in eight men will get prostate cancer. It went on to say among Black men that statistic rises to one in four.
To highlight the issue and help raise funds for research he set himself a target of £500 to raise for charity Prostate Cancer UK by running in the Manchester Marathon in April. He surpassed his target and has raised over £1,100.
Mervyn told the ECHO: “I went onto the Prostate Cancer UK website and answered three simple questions. As a result I was advised to take a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test."
The test was the start of a journey for Mervyn as it was discovered he had a prostate lesion, which is still being investigated. He had no symptoms, and is fit and healthy and runs regularly as part of a running group. Mervyn said: “I could have easily not recognised any problems until it was too late.
"I would recommend any man over 50 to get checked out. However, the statistics show Black men are dying from prostate cancer at a rate twice that of white men. As a Black man I feel we should be having this conversation with our friends, brothers and our fathers.
"We need to stop feeling embarrassed and put our pride aside and go and get checked out. The incredible thing is, the very first step is just a simple blood test and if caught early enough, prostate cancer is treatable and people can lead a long healthy life.
“If left untreated, it can kill you. The last thing anyone wants to hear is 'if only you had come to see us sooner".
Kerry Nugent, community engagement lead for Central Liverpool Primary Care Network Covering nine GP surgeries said: “14% of Black African and Caribbean men are aware of their higher risk, compared to a risk awareness of 54% among white men.
“Men over 45 are most at risk but it would make sense to raise awareness among men at a much younger age to ensure once they reach 45, they're well aware of the risk factors. We need to encourage men to seek medical support and advice, get tested and to ensure health care professionals are better equipped to understand the increased risks and the needs of African Caribbean men”.
Mervyn’s wife, Gina said: "I'm so proud of Mervyn I could burst. I'm in awe of his strength and determination."
Mervyn continued: "Fundraising is a great motivator for running. Whether it's a 5k, 10k, half or full marathon. Set your target and plan ahead.”
You can still donate to Prostate Cancer UK via Mervyn's GoFundMe HERE
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