WELSH Conservative Leader Andrew RT Davies raised the issue of prostate cancer in a short debate in the National Assembly last week.

In the debate, which coincides with the launch of Prostate Cancer Month this March, Regional AM for South Wales Central Andrew RT Davies urged AMs of all parties to work together to establish a dedicated cancer awareness campaign in Wales - the only part of the UK not to have one.

“Wales has a real problem with men’s health and incidents of male cancer are almost a fifth higher than those for women," he said, "Whilst the cancer mortality rate is a third higher than in women.

“This issue is even more pronounced in prostate cancer, with men still unwilling to talk about issues which are considered embarrassing.

“Let’s face it, prostate cancer is a silent killer and more needs to be done by politicians of all parties to help raise awareness of the need for check-ups in men of a certain age.”

Dr Ed Bridges, Senior Policy and Strategy Manager for Wales at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Prostate cancer is a complex disease, which affects more than 17,000 men in Wales alone.

"Catching it early - especially if it is an aggressive form - is essential, as it means the disease can often be treated successfully.

"However, in many cases the disease doesn’t have any symptoms so awareness of risk is a man’s best line of defence. Wales is the only UK nation yet to implement a prostate cancer awareness campaign, meaning that men at risk could be completely oblivious to the danger they face.

"This needs to change and we are pleased the issue is being discussed by the National Assembly.

“In the meantime it is crucial that men familiarise themselves with the risk factors for prostate cancer. Men over 50, black men, or men with a father or brother who has had the disease should speak to their doctor about whether going down the route of diagnosis is right for them.

“Prostate Cancer UK is urging people in Wales to sign for Men United - our growing movement for everyone that believes men are worth fighting for. We need more people to sign up and raise money to help us beat prostate cancer once and for all.”

Between 2010 and 2012, the reported number of cases of prostate cancer among men in Wales was 7,269. During the same period, some 1,640 deaths were recorded.

In 2013/14 Prostate Cancer UK opened their first office in Wales, which included funding Wales’ first prostate cancer nurse specialist, to help men living with prostate cancer.

The charity also works closely with partners at ‘Movember’ to fund groundbreaking research led by Cardiff University, with academics currently undertaking a £4.8 million study to look at tackling the effects of pelvic radiation.