John McDonnell MP talks tactics with campaigners at the Labour Party conference as he pledges to tackle prostate cancer inequalities

John McDonnell MP has pledged to help eradicate the inequalities men with prostate cancer face after speaking with campaigners at the Labour Party conference in Manchester this month.

Despite being the most common cancer in men, those affected by or at risk of prostate cancer continue to face a number of injustices, particularly when it comes to access to the best treatments and aftercare support for their condition.

Prostate Cancer UK was at the Labour conference calling for urgent action on these issues. As well as pledging long term commitment to helping bring about real change for men, politicians were being asked to show their support for the charity’s game plan by signing up to Men United -; a new team which seeks to unite people across the UK against the common enemy of prostate cancer.

John said “I was approached by a number of constituents to support this campaign and I am pleased to help in raising the profile of this issue. We need to overcome these barriers to securing diagnosis and treatment for this common condition if we are to save lives.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

– For more information on the injustices faced by men living with or at risk of prostate cancer go to: www.prostatecanceruk.org/inequalities

– Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can call Prostate Cancer UK’s confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org -; the helpline is free to landlines, staffed by specialist nurses, and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.

About Men United:

Men United v Prostate Cancer is our call for men to join together in a movement against the common enemy of prostate cancer. The aim is to build a united front of men against this disease. We want to get the message out about one of the UK’s biggest man killers, support men affected by it, and intensify the search for more reliable tests and treatments for the future.

Men are being asked to sign for Men United by visiting www.prostatecanceruk.org/menunited where they can also test their health knowledge by taking a quick quiz.

Nearly 200,000 people have signed for the new team, Men United, since its launch in January 2014. But we need an even bigger team to beat the most common cancer in men. Together we can win this.

About Prostate Cancer UK:

Prostate Cancer UK fights to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life. We support men and provide vital information. We find answers by funding research into causes and treatments. And we lead change, raising the profile of the disease and improving care. We believe that men deserve better.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. One in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. Every hour 1 man dies from prostate cancer. Black men are at higher risk of the disease and one in four will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives.