Mens Health - Action Cancer and Gordons Chemists are encouraging Men to have a ‘Passion For Life’

Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity - Action Cancer - is working in partnership with Gordons Chemists to improve mens health, by offering 'MOT Mens Health Checks' for males throughout Northern Ireland. The goal of these MOT Mens Health Checks is to encourage males to take a proactive approach to mens health. Recent research indicates that men will often wait up to 2 years before they consult a doctor about a problem, and that they are less likely to do so than women.

Action Cancer and Gordons Chemists are jointly undertaking a ‘Passion For Life’ campaign, aimed at men, to reverse this attitude and improve mens health overall.

Gordons Chemists and Action Cancer are offering a comprehensive mens health check - measuring Body Mass Index, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Skin Analysis and Lung Capacity. The MOT Mens Health Check also offers guidance on lifestyle changes that, if implemented, could save two out of three lives from cancer. Also available will be information leaflets on Prostate, Testicular and other forms of cancer, aimed at educating men about the relevant symptoms. The “Passion For Life” Campaign is designed to encourage men to become passionate about their life, and aware of the need to look after their health.

Emily Magrath, Health Promotion Manager for Action Cancer said: “Men are typically very reluctant to visit their GP and this is having a real impact on cancer detection and survival rates. We launched our MOT Mens Health Checks in June and, following the huge uptake and interest, we are now working with Gordons Chemists to increase the availability across Northern Ireland. The MOT Mens Health Check is the only comprehensive check of its kind run by a charity, to encourage men to be proactive about their health. The checks will also increase awareness and early detections of cancer - thereby saving lives affected by cancer in Northern Ireland which is Action Cancer’s goal.”

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men, and diagnoses have increased by 15% since 1993. In 2004 there were over 750 diagnoses of Prostate cancer in Northern Ireland; however Action Cancer research indicated that 30% of men do not know where their prostate is, and 50% do not know the signs and symptoms of Prostate and Testicular cancer. Bowel cancer in males in Northern Ireland is the highest in Western Europe.

Helena Buchanan, Head of Health Promotion for Gordons Chemists said: “Men in particular can be hesitant about going to see their local GP and having tests and examinations done. Our MOT Mens Health Check clinics are now in their 3rd year, and make the whole process a lot less stressful for males by bringing a confidential and convenient service to their own doorstep. We are delighted to link with Action Cancer and complement their MOT Health Check clinics”.

MOT Mens Health Check appointments are offered on the Action Cancer BIG BUS, which operates on a rotational basis across Northern Ireland - visiting workplaces and community groups. In addition, Gordons Chemists will be operating a men’s clinic which will visit each of their 47 stores across Northern Ireland offering the MOT Mens Health Checks.

An additional part of the ‘Passion For Life’ campaign involves Gordons Chemists raising funds for Action Cancer, via a raffle for a Mercedes-Benz Car. Worth approximately £18,000, tickets for the car will be sold at each Gordons Chemists store in Northern Ireland; funds raised will help Action Cancer deliver its life-saving services such as the MOT Health Checks, Breast screening services, counselling, complementary therapy and Listening Ear Service. The local charity need to raise over £3.6 million per year, to keep their services going.

Action Cancer and Gordons Chemists have already worked together on a 'Safe Sun Roadshow', to promote the proper application of sun cream, and reduce the incidence of skin cancer in Northern Ireland (which currently accounts for one quarter of all cancers diagnosed).

Action Cancer is Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity, founded in 1973, and its mission is "Saving Lives, Supporting People". Action Cancer relies heavily on donations from the public and business communities in Northern Ireland, to provide a range of vital, life-saving services which are available regionally through offices in Derry, Newry and shortly Magherafelt, on the BIG BUS and at Action Cancer House in Belfast.

Anyone interested in obtaining a MOT Mens Health Check on the BIG BUS should contact Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 or call into their local Gordons Chemist store for an appointment there.

The 'Passion for Life' MOT Mens Health Checks are available in Gordons Chemists throughout September. See the table below for a list of where and when you can receive an MOT Health Check - and potentially discover something that could save your life!

Passion for Life MOT Mens Health Checks
Happening throughout September in your Local Gordons Chemists!

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