Monday 6 August 2001
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir John Stevens is taking time out from his busy schedule at New Scotland Yard to lend his support to cancer sufferer Detective Paul McConnell with his quest to raise vital funds for everyman, The Institute of Cancer Research's male cancer campaign.
Detective McConnell, who had testicular cancer and a team of fellow officers from the Serious Crime Group, will be embarking upon a gruelling cycling trip from John O'Groats to Lands End, named the End to End Challenge. The aim of the ten day trip is to raise both research funds and awareness of male cancers.
Sir John explained why he became involved:
"I wholeheartedly offer my support to this campaign. We all have a great deal of admiration for Paul in what he has overcome and what he has set out to achieve. I urge everyone to give generously to the everyman campaign and make the End to End Challenge a real success"
Vital research is needed so that the scientists can understand more about both prostate and testicular cancers so that they can be treated more effectively. Statistics show that the incidence of testicular cancer is on the increase. Cases have risen by 70 per cent in the last twenty years but scientists are still baffled as to why this is.
Paul was diagnosed early and continues to have regular check ups but it seems that luckily his cancer was caught at the early stages. If caught soon enough, the disease can have a 96% cure rate, therefore it is essential that everyone is aware of the symptoms.
This is a message Paul is keen to convey to others:
"Having suffered from testicular cancer I know that catching it early is vital. Men need to be aware of the symptoms and we need much more money so that the scientists can find out what causes this dreadful disease. I'm delighted that the Commissioner has taken the time to support us and I'm urging everyone to cheer us along our journey"
The Institute has recently opened the UK's first dedicated Male Cancer Research Centre where research is carried out into many different aspects of male cancers. The centre needs £2 million annually and money raised from the End to End Challenge will go towards supporting this vital research.
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The Commissioner Sir John Stevens, Detective Paul McConnell and supporting colleagues from the Serious Crime Group will be attending a photocall on August 6th at New Scotland Yard from 4-4.30pm.
Notes to editors
- If you would like to speak to an expert on male cancers please contact The Institute of Cancer Research press office on 0207 970 6030 or out of hours: 07721 747 900.
- The everyman campaign was set up by The Institute of Cancer Research in 1997 to raise awareness of and funding for male cancers.
- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer amongst young men aged 20 - 35. Cases have risen by 70% in the last 20 years but doctors do not know why.
- Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, with 21,400 new cases diagnosed every year.
- The Institute of Cancer Research is a centre of excellence with some of the world's leading scientists working on cutting edge research. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer.