Alison backs Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2011

North East MSP, Alison McInnes has expressed her backing for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month by being photographed with a life-sized blue man - the logo of The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland.

Alison was snapped with the emblem at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Perth.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, in March, is an annual health awareness campaign organised by The Prostate Cancer Charity. The theme of the month is a celebration of awareness and The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland is mobilising people and urging them to 'declare I'm aware'.

Mrs McInnes said:

"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Scotland. 2,700 are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and 19,000 Scottish men are currently living with the disease. Two men die of prostate cancer every day.

"Despite this, we still have a long way to go in terms of understanding the causes and identifying the most effective ways of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer - as well as improving the public's knowledge of some of the issues faced by people affected by the disease.

"That's why I'm backing Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2011. I hope men and women of all ages and all walks of life get behind the campaign and are able to declare 'I'm aware' come April."

Ann Ferguson, Head of Operations at The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland, said: "It is fantastic that Alison McInnes is showing her support for men and their families affected by prostate cancer. We hope many more politicians will follow suit and back the Charity's move to ensure prostate cancer remains firmly in the spotlight well beyond Prostate Cancer Awareness Month."

Anyone wanting to participate in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month can request an information pack. Please call 0141 314 0050, email aware@prostate-cancer.org.uk or visit the campaign website www.prostateaware.org.uk