The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has partnered with leading men’s health charity Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness of the disease and save men’s lives.

Chief Officer Martin Blunden with Kathleen Feeney signing the document

Over the next three years the partnership will aim to ensure every Scottish Fire and Rescue Service employee understands the risk of prostate cancer, while championing the work of Prostate Cancer UK in communities across Scotland.

Martin Blunden, Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“This is a lifesaving partnership for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service raising awareness of men’s health as we continue to do more for the people of Scotland.

 “By partnering with Prostate Cancer UK, we can share key messaging with our dedicated staff and empower them to share knowledge with members of the public, their family and friends.

“With men making up a significant proportion of our workforce, it is also imperative that we have the right partners available to offer advice and support to those who need it.”

Statistics from the charity indicates that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is set to become the most common cancer overall by the end of this decade. Men over 50, black men and men with a family history of the disease face a significantly higher risk.

Kathleen Feeney, Volunteer Engagement Manager at Prostate Cancer UK said:

“We are really grateful to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for helping us to raise such an important health message to their employees and beyond. We’re committed to signposting all employees to the wealth of information about prostate cancer on our website or to our Specialist Nurses to increase awareness of this deadly disease.

“One man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer in the UK – a shocking statistic. It’s with partners like the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service that we are able to raise awareness to reach even more people and in turn save men’s lives.”

For further information on Prostate Cancer UK visit: prostatecanceruk.org/