OilVoice | BP STAFF TOLD ‘UCAN’ DO SOMETHING ABOUT UROLOGICAL CANCER

BP STAFF TOLD ‘UCAN’ DO SOMETHING ABOUT UROLOGICAL CANCER

BP STAFF TOLD ‘UCAN’ DO SOMETHING ABOUT UROLOGICAL CANCER

Staff at BP’s new headquarters in Dyce spent their lunchbreaks last week listening to a potentially life-saving talk by local urological cancer charity UCAN.

Employees from across BP’s departments attended the presentation by research nurse Catherine Patterson and fundraising manager Kate Synott.

As well as outlining the work of UCAN, Kate and Catherine explained how to spot the warning signs and symptoms of the four main urological cancers – kidney, bladder, testicular, which particularly affects men aged between 20 and 44, and prostate, which affects older men.

Catherine, who recently spent a day offshore giving a similar presentation to other oil and gas workers, said: “It is really important for us to target these types of organisations as they have a large portion of employees who are within our target audience, so we were pleased to see so many people there today.

“Taking this information to them in a relatively informal manner works better as it is a subject which can often be met with fear and embarrassment.

“Following the success of today’s presentation we would be delighted to be invited back to give further talks and help to take the UCAN message to as many people as possible.”

Tim Smith, External Affairs Director, BP Scotland said: “BP was keen to help UCAN further their aim of raising awareness of urological cancers and encouraging individuals to seek treatment early which improves the prognosis. I am pleased that BP staff took the opportunity to attend this presentation and find out more about UCAN and urological cancers.”

Around 18,000 people die of urological cancers in the UK every year, including 500 in the North-east, and this figure is rising.

UCAN was established in late 2005 to raise awareness of urological cancers and improve support and quality of life for patients by raising £2.6million to bolster NHS services.

The UCAN care centre, located in a purpose-built former ward bay at Ward 44 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, was opened in January. The first urological facility of its type in the UK, the base is designed to provide newly diagnosed urological cancer patients with clear information and guidance.

The campaign to raise the remaining £700,000 is ongoing.

• For more information on how to get involved with supporting UCAN, visit www.ucanhelp.org.uk or www.bebo.com/UCAN-Help or call fundraising manager Kate Synott on (01224) 559312.