A South Belfast man is encouraging other men to avail of free health checks as part of a new health drive.
To coincide with Men’s Health Week, which runs from 12th-18th June, Action Cancer has launched its Action Man campaign to encourage men aged 16 and over to book a MOT health check with the charity.
This campaign seeks to get men talking about their physical health and wellbeing and avail of a free health check to gain a snapshot of their health.
Read more: Sisters' double grief after losing loved ones to 'silent killer'
The 20-minute MOT health checks are available at Action Cancer House in Belfast and also on board the charity’s Big Bus, sponsored by SuperValu and Centra, which travels to 200 locations across Northern Ireland every year.
The health check incorporates a number of assessments including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and body composition analysis, as well as lifestyle advice and information on common cancers in males.
The checks do not diagnose cancer but aim to increase awareness of current health and the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.
Chris Kelly, 25, from South Belfast recently availed of a free MOT health check at Action Cancer House and is now urging other men to do the same.
Chris said: “I booked my appointment online, it was a really easy process. Hannah was incredibly knowledgeable and explained every step of the health check to me.
“I would consider myself to be quite fit and healthy as I play football for Aquinas on a weekly basis and am an active member of Belvoir Golf Club.
“I was very pleased with my results and would recommend other guys to get an annual MOT health check. For me it was reassuring, but for others it could be life-changing.”
Hannah Glasgow, Health Promotion Officer at Action Cancer, added: “In Northern Ireland 13 men are diagnosed with cancer every day. Men are more likely to sit on their symptoms before contacting their GP.
“They are diagnosed at a later stage than women and subsequently more likely to die from cancer than women.
“Since the Covid-19 pandemic we are now referring 56% of clients to their GP for further assessment. Before the pandemic this figure was 45%.
“We encourage men to be pro-active about their health, learn about the signs and symptoms of cancer and to book a health check with us to get a picture of their general health.
“This week we aim to spread our men’s health message far and wide.”
To book an appointment visit www.actioncancer.org/appointments or call 028 9080 3344. You can also bring health checks to your workplace by booking a clinic to be delivered at your premises. To find out more email appointments@actioncancer.org.
READ NEXT:
Belfast man on how he beat cancer but not before it helped him find love
'Help us save dad's life': Belfast man diagnosed with incurable cancer
NI public 'ignoring rising skin cancer risks', leading charity warns
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
