NewStyle Radio Interview — Prostate Cancer, Men’s Health and Community Action

In Derrick Gidden’s NewStyle Radio Interview, he spoke plainly about prostate cancer, men’s health, and the work we’re doing in Birmingham to support black men and the wider community. He said, “I’m Derek Gidden, and I want to start a simple, life‑saving conversation: ask the men you love if they’ve had their prostate checked.”

Why this matters

One in four black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. One in twelve will die from it.

Those numbers are stark and personal — that could be your dad, brother, uncle, or grandfather. Prostate cancer is often survivable when caught and treated early. Embarrassment, fea,r and myths are stopping too many men from getting checked. Starting a conversation is the first step: “Hey, Dad – have you had your prostate checked out?” It really is that simple.

Symptoms, screening, and what to expect

Know the common early signs, but remember: some men have no symptoms at all.

• Frequent trips to the bathroom at night (nocturia)
• Urgency or difficulty holding urine
• A feeling of not emptying the bladder properly or a weak stream

Those symptoms can come from an enlarged prostate (benign) as well as from cancer. Because some men have no symptoms, blood screening is crucial.

PSA blood test and age recommendations

The PSA (prostate‑specific antigen) blood test gives an initial indication of whether further investigation is needed. It is not perfect, but it is useful — I quoted around 75% accuracy as an initial guide, which in medical screening terms is significant.

• General recommendation: insist on a PSA from age 50.
• For men of African or Afro‑Caribbean heritage we recommend starting from about 45 (some organisations push for earlier awareness) because diagnoses can occur earlier.
• Some men in their 30s have been found to have prostate cancer, so if you have concerns, push for a test regardless of age.
• Where access is difficult, insist — and if your GP refuses a PSA test at an appropriate age, seek support from local groups or advocates.

Rectal exam, MRI, and urine tests

The traditional “digital rectal exam” (the finger up the bum) is used by doctors to assess the prostate’s firmness and shape. It’s a quick check and often much less of an issue than the myths around it suggest. In many cases, a GP will simply refer you for a PSA blood test first.

If a GP or consultant sees cause for concern, an MRI scan provides a much clearer picture and is more accurate than a blood test alone — but MRIs are used selectively and are more costly, so the usual route is blood screening first. Urine tests look for infections or other issues, but they do not replace a PSA when screening for prostate cancer.

Barriers: embarrassment, myths, and trust

Many men avoid medical help because of embarrassment or mistaken beliefs. I’ve heard men say they don’t want anyone “sticking a finger up their behind” — that fear is real, but it mustn’t stop you from protecting your life. Often, the finger exam isn’t needed; even when it is, the clinician is a professional with a clear clinical purpose.

Women in families and communities play a vital role. Women frequently take health matters seriously and can bring men to appointments, share information, and encourage testing. If you love someone, start the conversation and offer to support them in seeing a GP.

Practical lifestyle steps that help

If you have urinary symptoms — or want to reduce your risk — there are simple lifestyle changes that help overall health and may improve prostate and metabolic health:

• Cut down sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbs — swap white bread for wholegrain options where possible.
• Reduce caffeine and excessive alcohol; they can worsen urinary urgency.
• Cook with healthier oils (olive oil), bake or grill instead of deep‑frying.
• Drink more water — our bodies are primarily wate,r and it helps flush the system.
• Regular exercise: it doesn’t have to be marathon training — daily walks and keeping active are powerful.
• Prioritise sleep — cell repair happens during rest, and poor sleep harms long‑term health.
• Consider periodic detoxes or fasting under guidance — some men find these techniques improve clarity and wellbeing.

I’m not against medical treatment — it has its place — but lifestyle, diet, sleep and activity are powerful front‑line tools. I’ve seen men reverse pre‑diabetes and improve urinary symptoms through lifestyle changes, and colleagues have reversed diabetes through diet and exercise. Moderation and sustainable change beat extreme restrictions.

Mental health, peer support, and community action

Mental health is the biggest issue affecting men right now. Good mental well-being helps you make better decisions about your own health. After lockdown, we set up a WhatsApp group in Birmingham that became a formal community group focused on men’s health.

Peer‑to‑peer support has been transformational — men talking openly while playing dominoes or chess, encouraging each other to get tested, attending consultants together, or booking blood tests. Social settings and practical activities make it easier for men who won’t sit in a formal lecture to talk and act.

Events, workshops and one‑to‑one support

We run regular social and support events, workshops on prostate awareness, and creative‑arts sessions that provide therapeutic benefits and help men re‑engage.

Mental health support should include practical, local options so people aren’t stuck at home in isolation. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek help early — speak to a GP and ask for referrals. If GP access is difficult, community organisations can help advocate and link you to services.

Local details: how to get involved

Our group — Men’s Health and Well‑Being CIC — meets monthly and runs regular workshops. If you’re local or want to connect:

• Monthly meeting: fourth Tuesday of the month
• Venue: Highcroft Community Centre, Slade Road, Erdington, B23 7JG
• Workshop example: Saturday 27 September, 12:30–14:30 — creative arts and half‑to‑one‑to‑one sessions (mental health, prostate, diabetes support)

Contact details:

• Phone: 07493 397272
• Email: info@menshealth‑well‑being.co.uk
• Website: www.menshealth‑well‑being.co.uk

Final words — start the conversation

Prostate cancer is survivable when detected early. Don’t let embarrassment, myths or poor access stop you from acting. If you are a man over 50 (or 45 for black men), ask for a PSA blood test at least once a year — even twice a year if you can. If you can’t get an appointment, call a community group and get help insisting on the right care.

Talk to the men in your life. Ask the questions. Offer to go with them. Change begins with one small step: a conversation that may save a life.

“Hey, Dad — have you had your prostate checked out?”

Hi my name is Michael and I have created a program called J.A.T. (just a thought). I teach people HOW to think. J.A.T. is based on the understanding that it is not people or events (life) outside of ourselves that cause us so much anxiety and unhappiness but our beliefs, thoughts, and feelings about life (our perception). Thoughts and feelings that we are creating and can choose to change by understanding HOW we think.

Info to be confirmed.

Member – Tackle Prostate Cancer

In 2018 following the takeover of GKN where he was the Director of Organisational Development, he left the corporate world where he had started his life as an Engineer. He completed a Masters in Coaching and Mentoring Practice completing this with a dissertation on one-to-one peer coaching in men with Prostate Cancer. Aidan voluntarily delivers training to men to become Prostate Buddies, or one-to-one coaches to other men in their community who have been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

In 2015 Aidan was diagnosed with aggressive, high risk Prostate Cancer following a routine work medical which included a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. He was aged 53 and had no family history of Prostate Cancer. Aidan has since had surgery, salvage radiotherapy, Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), and chemotherapy to treat the cancer.

He started attending his local Prostate Cancer Support Group in Solihull in 2015 which he now runs after the founding Chairperson left the area. Aidan now supports the Sutton Coldfield Prostate Cancer Support Group and has started up a virtual / Zoom Group for men diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer.

Currently, Aidan is Co-Chair of Tackle Prostate Cancer – The National Federation of Prostate Cancer Support Groups, of which there are over 90 member groups: https://tackleprostate.org

He volunteers as an Awareness Speaker for Prostate Cancer UK delivering talks to a variety of organisations spreading awareness about Prostate Problems: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/about-prostate-cancer/book-an-awareness-activity. He is also a Patient Advocate on the West Midlands Cancer Alliance Urology Expert Advisor Group https://wmcanceralliance.nhs.uk

Living now with Stage 4 cancer Aidan is a big believer in the benefits of exercise, both physically and mentally, when living with and beyond cancer.

Chairman

I am personally the Founder of Men’s Health & Wellbeing Group (Midlands).

By profession am an International Business Consultant which support SME’s start-up & established companies’ growth & expansion.

I have been very active in sport & leisure activities over the years, namely football, cricket, badminton, table tennis, jogging. However, over last few years not participated in many of these sporting activities.

In recent years due to the demise of the NHS Health Services, increasing waiting lists for minor and serious illnesses. This together with some questionable health advice and support being given to me by our medical experts. Also, acknowledging many other men around me had also experienced very poor health advice and support, consequently led to set this group up. The group was to be a collective voice to for more accountability and improved men’s health services we receive or not.

This health and wellbeing group which has been established is very much a self-help group. Ultimately, with men sharing their health & wellbeing knowledge, understanding and experiences with each other.

Men’s Health Specialists are invited each month to speak to the group. In the future it is planned to hold weekly drop-in sessions with an option for individual sessions to encourage better health lifestyles & choices. To-date we have had Health Specialists speak to the group on Mental Health, Diabetes, Prostate, Sport and Physical Activities. we have many others scheduled for the following months.

From statistical data and demise of the NHS there is a definite need for groups like ours since remarkable there is no national Men’s Health Strategy in place. However, there is a Women Health Strategy which confirms the massive national gender inequality. Also, our national consensus data confirms that over 20% of our men do not live to 65 years old! This data is made up of suicides and preventable health conditions. But what is our society doing to reduce these frightening statistics? Definitely, not enough!!

The other areas we have clearly identified is that with the many Men’s Health Services in our region 1) They are several important gaps of health & wellbeing support missing which need to be plugged and created 2) The men’s health and wellbeing services that do exist are not joined up or not very well and this needs to be improved with total patient care being the focus.

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