“Too many men have their head in the sand,” this is according to a group looking to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Members of the North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group (NHPCSG) have set up a stall in the Malls, to raise awareness of the disease and encourage men to get checked.

The group is made up of men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and want to urge others to get tested before its too late.

At the stall in the Malls, volunteers are helping to educate those who may not know much about the disease.

Keith Bunker from the NHPCSG said: “Along with breast, lung and brain cancer, prostate is one of the main four which is diagnosed.

“However, there are too many men who have their head in the sand and won’t even get checked.

“There are people even out today who just ignore what you have to say.”

Prostate cancer can develop when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled way.

Some prostate cancer grows too slowly to cause any problems or affect how long you live. Because of this, many men with prostate cancer will never need any treatment.

Martin Budd, chair of the NHPCSG, said that by raising awareness for people they group hopes it can lead to early diagnosis if necessary.

He said: “There aren’t really any symptoms, so the earlier people get tested the better.”

As the members of the NHPCSG have all gone through various different treatments, Martin said it is also good that they have the support of each other.

He added: “This is another this that we are trying to get out there, even though it may be a daunting thing to go through if you are diagnosed, then there are others who have been through the same or similar and are there to help.”

The NHPSCG holds monthly meetings where they provide support and friendship for men and their partners affected by Prostate Cancer.

Members help each other by sharing experiences and by offering mutual support. Your concerns are not unique and you are not alone.