AN OLTON woman has been speaking out about her partners prostate cancer diagnosis to highlight the importance of early detection and encourage men to take action.
Michelle Jackets has been using her experience and the power of talking to raise awareness of the disease while working at M&S.
Her inspiration to share her story was sparked by the company’s recent partnership with Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and Prostate Cancer UK.
This campaign, which donated £4 from every pack of M&S Autograph men’s underwear to the charity to mark Prostate Cancer Awareness month in March, has ignited a nationwide conversation, prompting Michelle to highlight the importance of early detection and encourage men to take action.
Her partner, Adrian Copestake, was 51 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Michelle said: “Adrian and I were celebrating his 50th birthday at Disney World in Florida when I noticed changes in his urination”
“He dismissed it, but after six months of persistence, he mentioned it to his GP during a routine check-up. A simple blood test revealed raised PSA levels.”
Adrian, now 56, is on a watchful waiting program with regular monitoring of his PSA levels and MRIs.
Michelle has emphasised the need to break the stigma surrounding prostate cancer testing.
The 45-year-old said: “The first step is a simple blood test.
“Since his diagnosis, Adrian has supported three colleagues who were subsequently diagnosed.
“I urge my female colleagues to encourage the men in their lives to check their risk, especially if they are over 50, Black or have a family history of the disease.”
She said the M&S campaign with Prostate Cancer UK helped to spark discussions among her colleagues and it was a great opportunity for her to share their story.
Michelle added: “As a woman we have gotten so much better talking about other cancers and menopause etc. but the men are not as keen to chat like women, so if I can raise any awareness for other wives, partners or daughters to open up these chats with the men in our lives then I have done something. If it helps just one person then that’s a success.
“I will continue to shout up not just in the workplace but in everyday conversations. The recent I chat to customers everyday and have such an opportunity to spread the word. Often the chat will be started by me noticing that the customer is wearing a ‘man of men’ pin badge and I might ask why they choose to wear it. Sharing stories help people realise they are not alone, others are going through it too.”
Prostate Cancer UK says in the Midlands 8,030 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, according to the latest data and more than 1 in 5 of these men are diagnosed when their disease has spread and can’t be cured.
Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Awareness is everything with prostate cancer, because the disease often gives you no symptoms in its earlier, more treatable stages.
“We’re grateful that Michelle is spreading the word among her friends and colleagues, and getting more men to think about their risk and the option to get a PSA blood test. Quite simply, Michelle could already be saving lives in her community.
“We’ve been proud to stand by Michelle and all her colleagues as we partnered with M&S to raise vital funds and encourage more men to take the Prostate Cancer UK 30-second online Risk Checker.
“Since we launched the partnership, M&S has raised over £155k to support men and fuel research, and more than 180,000 men have checked their risk online.”
For more or to check risk, click here.
Anyone at risk should consult their GP about a PSA blood test.
For concerns, contact Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses at 0800 074 8383 or visit their website.
