AN award-winning cancer GP from East Lancashire is urging men to get themselves more clued-up on prostate cancer - as the condition is set to become the most common in the UK.

Dr Neil Smith is leading the fight to raise awareness of the cancer for clinical commissioners in Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire as part of an awareness month in March.

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Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, with the risk increasing with age. The average age for a man to be diagnosed with prostate cancer is said to be between 70 and 74 years.

For some the first noticeable symptoms may be recurring pain in the back, hips or pelvis, when the cancer has spread to the bones.

Advanced prostate cancer which has spread to the bones is not curable, but hormone therapy and other treatments can keep it under control for many months or years.

Dr Smith said: “If you are concerned about any symptoms you may be experiencing or your prostate cancer risk you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

“It is important to have anything unusual assessed. Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine and difficulty urinating should be checked out, especially if you find yourself getting you up several times during the night.”

He was recognised in the ‘Living the NHS Values’ section of the NHS North West Leadership Awards last month, for his work in urging the area’s 89 GP practices to ‘think cancer’ and ensure patients receive timely treatment and care.

An estimated 250,000 men are said to be currently living with the condition in the UK. While men aged under 50 can contract the disease, it is not common. Around one in eight men are said to get prostate cancer at some point in their life.

Sky Sports star Jeff Stelling is supporting the month through Prostate Cancer UK by undertaking 15 walking marathons in 15 days. He will trek from St James Park, home of Exeter City, to its Newcastle namesake in June. Last year he marched from Hartlepool United to Wembley.