One in eight men will get prostate cancer. The risk is even higher if you’re over 50, or over 45 if you’re black, or there is a family history of prostate cancer.
The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to treat. Prostate cancer often doesn’t have symptoms, and the best way to check is through a quick and easy blood test that you can get from your GP. If you are already diagnosed, prostate cancer doesn’t have to define you or stop you from doing the things you love to do, our Arsenal group is proof of that.
Posters will also be placed in toilets around the stadium on Sunday’s matchday, asking the men in attendance to check their risk of prostate cancer and raise awareness around the disease.
In October 2023 Arsenal in the Community partnered with the University College London Hospital Cancer Fund to create and deliver a new walking football and social support project for men affected by Prostate Cancer.
Every Friday evening the group get together at The Arsenal Community Hub to socialise, share their lived experiences, and listen to a variety of guest speakers. Our upcoming game against Liverpool on Sunday 4th February will see a pitch side presentation for our Prostate Cancer Walking Football participants, whose journeys are an inspiration for everybody.
So far, they have had the opportunity to hear from guests including Arsenal legend Charlie George, as well as specialist nurses from Prostate Cancer UK. They enjoy a one-hour walking football session delivered by Arsenal in the Community coaches and most importantly, have a laugh whilst doing it! The group now has 30 registered participants and are still accepting new members.
Causes of prostate cancer
Cancer arises from the transformation of normal cells into tumour cells in a multi-stage process that generally progresses from a pre-cancerous lesion to a malignant tumour. These changes are the result of the interaction between a person’s genetic factors and three categories of external agents, including:
- physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation;
- chemical carcinogens, such as asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, alcohol, aflatoxin, a food contaminant, and arsenic ,a drinking water contaminant; and
- biological carcinogens, such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
WHO, through its cancer research agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, maintains a classification of cancer-causing agents.
The incidence of cancer rises dramatically with age, most likely due to a build-up of risks for specific cancers that increase with age. The overall risk accumulation is combined with the tendency for cellular repair mechanisms to be less effective as a person grows older.
