Latest news with #ProstateCancerUK
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Charities share staggering £450,000 donation following Royal Ascot BGC pledge
A host of top UK charities will share a remarkable £450,000, thanks to Betting and Gaming Council members. For the sixth year on the spin, the BGC announced that its members will give away every penny of profit from win and each-way bets on the Britannia Stakes at last week's Royal Ascot meeting. 3 Champion jockey teamed up with Saeed bin Suroor to ride Arabian Story to victory in Thursday's race, staving off the threat of La Botte to win by a neck. In a race with 30 runners - coming on a day where FIVE favourites landed - the winner coming in at 15/2 wasn't necessarily a win for the bookmakers, given only three runners - including La Botte - went off shorter odds. But it's that competitiveness in the packed race that ensured the bookmakers remained in profit across the race and that is terrific news for the charities. Prostate Cancer UK, Missing People, the SAS Regimental Association, Ascot Racecourse Supports, Racing to School, Greenhouse Sports and Tempus Novo will all now benefit from the stunning £450,000 donation. That donation coming from BCG members, including Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), Evoke (888 William Hill), Kindred (Unibet), Betway, Rank Group (Grosvenor Sport), Virgin Bet, LivescoreBet, Star Sports and QuinnBet - as well as with the support of Tote and Bet with Ascot. The final figure now takes the total amount raised through this very initiative to an astonishing £3.6million for charitable causes. Including other campaigns, the BGC has now raised a whopping £6.5 million for good causes since its formation back in 2019. While BGC members also help fund horseracing, with a remarkable £350m a year through sponsorship, media rights and the betting levy. Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: 'It's brilliant to see BGC members once again coming together to support such a wide range of charities that make a real difference in communities right across the UK. "A huge thank you goes to all our members who took part, their customers who placed a bet on the Britannia Stakes, and of course to Ascot for their continued partnership in this important initiative. "Together, we've now raised over £3.6 million through the Britannia Stakes alone, and more than £6.5 million overall. These substantial donations highlight the real commitment of the BGC and its members to supporting charities across sport, racing, health, and the veteran community. "We know how much this funding means to the organisations involved, and we're incredibly proud to play our part in supporting the incredible work they do." Jo Youle OBE, Chief Executive of Missing People said: 'Thank you to the Betting and Gaming Council, and its members, for the incredible generosity for Missing People via the Britannia Stakes. 'Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. Your support means the charity can be there for people in crisis who are missing, and for families still searching. No matter what the situation, this donation will mean that vital information, guidance and support will be available when it is needed most, and for however long it takes. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this possible." Felicity Barnard, Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse, added: 'We are delighted to play host to this brilliant initiative which continues to raise vital funds and awareness for charities. The monies raised are helping our Ascot Racecourse Supports charity/community programme make a real difference to the many local and equine organisations that we support.' Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Laura Kerby said: 'We're proud of our long-term relationship with the Betting and Gaming Council and are hugely grateful to them and their members for this generous donation on such a prestigious day of racing. 'Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England and a disease that affects 1 in 8 men, but an early diagnosis could save your life. 'For several years now the BGC have helped us raise crucial awareness, and substantial funds which will make a massive difference to men affected by prostate cancer. Funds raised will support our groundbreaking screening trial, TRANSFORM, which will find the best way to screen men for the disease - so that one day, all men will be invited for regular tests, and more men will find it early enough to be cured. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.' Steve Freer, Tempus Novo CEO added: 'We are absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to be part of this prestigious event at Royal Ascot. Our sincere thanks go to the Betting and Gaming Council for their generous support. 'The funding we've received is making a tangible, lasting impact. Every penny is helping to drive transformational change in the criminal justice system by supporting people with convictions into sustainable employment. This is critical work—without these opportunities, many are left with little choice but to return to crime upon release. 'Thanks to this support, we're seeing lives changed, futures rebuilt, and a real shift in how rehabilitation can work in practice.' John Blake, CEO of Racing to School said: 'The beneficiaries, Trustees, and small staff team at Racing to School are hugely grateful to the Betting and Gaming Council, its members, and everyone who enjoyed a bet on this year's Britannia Stakes for their generosity. If you didn't back the winner, we hope you still enjoyed the thrill of watching the race in the knowledge that you have supported Racing to School and the six other beneficiary charities to continue their work. 'The funds will have an immediate impact to support the learning of some of the 17,500 participants of our Education Programmes who will take their first steps onto a racecourse this year which, we hope, will spark the beginning of a lifelong love of the sport.' Greenhouse Sports CEO, Don Barrell, said: 'We're incredibly grateful to the Betting and Gaming Council for selecting Greenhouse Sports as a beneficiary of this year's Britannia Stakes – and to everyone whose bets helped raise an incredible amount for charity. 'Like everyone at Royal Ascot, we believe in the power of sport. But for the young people we work with, it's about more than the game – it's about having a trusted adult in their corner. 'Our full-time Coach-Mentors are embedded in schools across some of the UK's most disadvantaged areas. They're there every day, year after year – building relationships, keeping young people engaged in education, boosting confidence, and helping them believe in their future. 'With child poverty at a record high, this support couldn't be more important. It means we can reach more young people – and help transform their life chances. 'Thank you for making that possible.' John Allcock, Secretary of the SAS Regimental Association (SASRA) said, 'We are grateful and humbled by the actions of the bookmaking members of the Betting and Gaming Council in this our 80th anniversary year. 'Extraordinary service creates extraordinary need, requiring extraordinary support. The discreet nature of the association and its support to both veteran and serving membership, and their families are considerable and grow year on year. 'This donation will make a significant difference to the lives of those who have gone (and continue to go), always a little further. We thank you so much.' Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Subtle signs of prostate cancer every man must know as Dermot Murnaghan diagnosed at stage 4
The news anchor revealed he is undergoing treatment after his late diagnosis. There is an ongoing drive to get Brits checked out at the doctors when they suspect something wrong with their health. No query is ever too small and no GP visit will ever be in vain if you believe something is off with your body. This is the message being pushed by Dermot Murnaghan, the BBC News presenter and ITN legend who revealed this week that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. The former Sky News anchor, 67, told fans that he he's been undergoing treatment and responding well. The newsreader also praised the "outstanding medical team" who have been overseeing his health journey so far. He also issued a plea to other men to get tested before it's too late, adding: "My message to all men over 50, in high-risk groups, or displaying symptoms, is get tested and campaign for routine prostate screening by the NHS." Murnaghan's statement comes amid growing calls for routine NHS screening for prostate cancer, a move campaigners say could save thousands of lives. The father-of-four also insisted that "early detection is crucial, and be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms." So, what are the signs of prostate cancer that are subtle and may be overlooked, but that no man should ignore? Prostate Cancer UK states that if you do notice changes in the way you urinate, this is more likely to be a sign of a very common non-cancerous problem called an enlarged prostate, or another health problem. It's still a good idea to get checked out, though. Possible symptoms include: difficulty starting to urinate or emptying your bladder a weak flow when you urinate a feeling that your bladder hasn't emptied properly dribbling urine after you finish urinating needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night a sudden need to urinate – you may sometimes leak urine before you get to the toilet However, men with early prostate cancer will often have no symptoms because of the way the cancer grows. You'll usually only get early symptoms if the cancer grows near the tube you urinate through (the urethra) and presses against it, changing the way you urinate. But because prostate cancer usually starts to grow in the outer part of the prostate, early prostate cancer doesn't often press on the urethra and cause symptoms. If prostate cancer breaks out of the prostate, known as locally advanced prostate cancer, or spreads to other parts of the body,(advanced prostate cancer), it can cause other symptoms, including: "There's no way of knowing if you have prostate cancer without visiting your doctor, as most men with early prostate cancer don't have any symptoms," a Prostate Cancer UK spokesperson added. "That's why it's important to know about your risk." In NHS Scotland, PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests are not routinely offered to all men, but are available for those who request them. Men aged 50 and over can specifically ask their GP for a PSA test. While the test can help detect prostate cancer early, it's important to understand that a raised PSA level doesn't always indicate cancer, and the test can sometimes miss prostate cancer or lead to unnecessary investigations. You can find out more about PSA tests on the NHS website here. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Sir Chris Hoy 'lifted' by comments as he makes call for action over prostate cancer diagnosis
Sir Chris Hoy 'lifted' by comments as he makes call for action over prostate cancer diagnosis The six-time Olympic champion was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2023 and has since been vocal about the need for more men to get tested for the disease Sir Chris Hoy has hailed the support of his friends and family throughout his terminal cancer diagnosis (Image:) Sir Chris Hoy has spoken out about the overwhelming support he's received since his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis, as he continues to advocate for changes in testing protocols. The six-time Olympic gold medallist was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer at the age of 47 in 2023, which has now spread to his bones. Despite being younger than the NHS's typical high-risk group, Hoy is calling for the testing age for prostate cancer to be lowered. The Independent reports that the 49-year-old feels "incredibly lucky" for the support from friends, family, and the public. Hoy said: "I've faced many challenges in my life, and going public with my prostate cancer diagnosis was certainly one of them. "I've been incredibly lucky to have so much support from my family, friends and the general public. The kindness has lifted me up and given me a sense of purpose, and I'm committed to taking that forward and using my platform to raise awareness of the most common cancer in men and help more men at risk to come forward and get tested." Current NHS guidelines suggest men over 50 are at the highest risk, often leaving younger men without encouragement for early testing. Hoy's own experience underlines the importance of considering earlier screening. Sir Chris Hoy believes more should be done to raise awareness for prostate cancer testing (Image:) Article continues below Hoy added: "I was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer at 47. By this age, my prostate cancer was advanced and could have been progressing from when I was 45 or even younger. "With prostate cancer, the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. We need the system to change to enable more men to get diagnosed earlier, and stop them getting the news I got." Key signs of the condition include frequently needing the toilet, straining whilst urinating and a sensation that the bladder is not fully emptied. The NHS typically uses blood tests (prostate-specific antigen tests, or PSAs), a physical examination of the prostate, MRI scans, and biopsies for diagnosis. Hoy's public appeal coincides with Prostate Cancer UK's efforts to push for a complete overhaul of NHS guidelines. The charity is urging GPs to proactively discuss the condition with men aged 45 who are at high risk. Sir Chris Hoy has praised his family's support, including wife Sarra (Image: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images ) As approximately one in eight men across the UK are likely to develop prostate cancer, failure to detect it early may lead to its spread. Article continues below Reflecting on holding the public accountable for prostate cancer awareness, Hoy said: "I believe men at highest risk, for example men with a family history like me or black men, should be contacted by their GP earlier on to discuss a simple PSA blood test that can check for signs of prostate cancer. "Then if there are any issues, they can get it treated it at an earlier stage. I've told my story to help raise awareness about the most common cancer in men and get more thinking about their risk and what they can do, but it shouldn't all be men's responsibility."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Prostate cancer surge explained and everyday symptom you should never ignore
Prostate cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in England, with Sky News' Dermot Murnaghan sharing his stage four diagnosis. But what is driving the surge in cases and what should men look out for? Prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer to become the most diagnosed form of the disease in England, as more men opt for health checks. In a startling revelation by Prostate Cancer UK, figures illustrate that the number of prostate cancer cases has surged ahead of breast cancer diagnoses during 2022 and 2023. The data indicate a 25 percent rise in prostate cancer cases from 2019 to 2023, a spike attributed to increased awareness and more early detections. NHS England's Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, praised the efforts, stating: "Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff and our effective awareness campaigns, we are diagnosing more men with prostate cancer at an earlier stage than ever before, so they have the best possible chance of receiving effective treatment. "We know that coming forward for prostate checks can be daunting, but it could save your life, so we would encourage men to consult the prostate cancer symptoms advice available on and to see their GP as soon as possible if they are concerned." The charity reported that there were 50,751 new cases of prostate cancer in England in 2022, surpassing the 48,531 cases of breast cancer. The increase continued into 2023 with 55,033 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer, compared to 47,526 women with breast cancer. According to the NHS, prostate cancer typically doesn't show symptoms until it's large enough to affect the urethra. The NHS website clarifies that certain symptoms don't necessarily indicate prostate cancer, as many men experience prostate enlargement due to a benign condition as they age. Symptoms like bone and back pain, loss of appetite, testicular pain, and unexplained weight loss may suggest the cancer has spread. Chiara De Biase, director at Prostate Cancer UK, explained: "Unlike other cancers, prostate cancer won't give you symptoms in its crucial early stages when it's easier to treat, so as a charity we can't tell you about tell-tale signs to look out for. "That's why we do everything we can to make every man aware of his risk of getting the disease and empower him to think about his testing options - so that he has the best chance of getting that all-important earlier diagnosis. Because the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat." Prostate cancer typically develops in men over 50 and is most prevalent among black men. Diagnosis involves physical exams, scans, and PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood tests. In England, NHS guidelines state that any man over 50 can request a PSA test, while GPs should use their discretion for men under 50 without symptoms but at increased risk. Men with symptoms, regardless of age, can also request a test. Ms De Biase detailed: "These new figures show that awareness is now growing across the UK, and we're proud to have played our part in this alongside our supporters and the NHS. More men than ever are learning about their risk, speaking to their GP about the PSA blood test, and then taking the best next steps. "At the moment, there's no screening programme for prostate cancer, and not every man has a fair shot at getting diagnosed earlier. We face a dreadful North-South divide in the UK, where you're more likely to get an incurable diagnosis in certain areas than others. "Plus, men living in more deprived areas are less likely to get the treatments they need. Despite all this, GPs aren't currently allowed to raise the issue of prostate cancer and testing, even with the men who have the highest risk of getting it - something we're asking the Government to change right now." Prostate Cancer UK is lobbying for a revamp of what they deem outdated NHS protocols and issued a plea for backing. They've recently sent a missive to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, on January 9, which reads: "Too many black men are dying from a curable disease, and you have the power to make changes that could save hundreds of lives every year. "We're calling on the Government to overhaul outdated NHS guidelines so that doctors can start conversations with black men about their risk from 45-years-old, and talk about the option of a quick and easy blood test to check for possible signs of prostate cancer." Symptoms of prostate cancer can include: needing to pee more frequently, often during the night needing to rush to the toilet difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy) straining or taking a long time while peeing weak flow feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully blood in urine or blood in semen
The Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Sir Chris Hoy backs calls for overhaul of prostate cancer screenings
Sir Chris Hoy, 49, revealed he was diagnosed with terminal stage four prostate cancer in 2023, with the disease having spread to his bones. Diagnosed at 47, below the typical NHS high-risk age of 50, he is advocating for systemic change to prostate cancer testing protocols. Hoy urges earlier screening, specifically for high-risk men like those with a family history or Black men, starting from age 45. His advocacy aims to prevent late diagnoses, emphasizing that earlier detection makes the disease easier to treat. Prostate Cancer UK supports his call for an overhaul of NHS guidelines to empower GPs to proactively discuss testing with high-risk men.
