14/10/2025
"Below the Belt" education event at the Simpson Centre
At our latest Community Health presentation, the gentlemen of South Buckinghamshire certainly disproved the myth that men don’t take enough interest in their health and wellbeing!
From the minute the event was announced, Below the Belt: what every man should know about their health! generated an incredible response, with every ticket sold after just a few days…and with a 60-strong waiting list.
On the evening of the 29th September, 135 people (mostly, but not uniquely, men!) came to Beaconsfield Medical Centre to hear presentations from two eminent clinicians, Consultant Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist Dr. Waleed Al-Obaydi and Consultant Urological Surgeon Mr Neil Haldar.
The event, chaired by Dr Will Owen of The Simpson Centre, focused primarily on prostate cancer, the most common non-skin cancer in men…with 63,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. But the evening also included discussion about other ‘below the belt’ health concerns such as bladder and kidney cancer, kidney stones and erectile dysfunction.
Dr Al-Obaydi opened the evening with a detailed presentation on the symptoms, assessment and management of prostate cancer. Although not clearly linked to any preventable risk factors, incidence of the disease increases with age, if there is a family history of hormonally-driven cancers and among men of black ethnic origin.
Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, but early diagnosis can lead to a much better outcome…and Dr Al-Obaydi discussed the primary methods of diagnosis and the various treatment options.
He outlined the that most prostate cancers are diagnosed following a simple blood test for PSA, a protein made by all prostate cells but found at higher levels in prostate cancer, which may be accompanied by a physical examination called a ‘digital re**al exam’ and then usually followed up an MRI scan. Occasionally a biopsy (which are nowadays much simpler and carry less risk of infection) might also be needed. The results of these tests are then discussed by a ‘multi-disciplinary team (MDT)’ of urologists, oncologists, radiologists and pathologists to agree the most helpful approach to treatment, helping patients make decisions which avoid over-treatment and which take account of their quality of life.
Two local prostate cancer patients talked about their own experience of diagnosis and treatment. Ron Hedley explained how his own cancer was only diagnosed in a repeat test after his mild urinary symptoms got worse – and he urged men to seek regular testing, reassuring them that the investigative biopsy was far less unpleasant than he had anticipated. He went on to talk about the nine charity walks he has organised to raise awareness of the disease and funds for the Bob Willis Fund.
Similarly Andrew Scott-Priestley only got tested after encouragement from his wife…and his second test, 21 years ago, resulted in a prostate cancer diagnosis, which was followed by surgery. He went on to become a founder member of the Chilterns Prostate Cancer Support Group, which not only organises awareness events and PSA testing days…but which also provides support and encouragement to all men affected by prostate cancer as well as to their partners, carers, relatives and friends.
Dr Owen explained that doctors are increasingly moving away from digital re**al examinations and towards PSA tests and MRI scans, but stressed that he and his colleagues are always happy to speak with patients who are concerned about their risk or any symptoms they might be getting. GPs are able to arrange the initial tests, including PSA testing, and referral onto the urology team when needed. Dr Owen also encouraged men to overcome any embarrassment and to have a proper conversation with their doctor to explain the reasons for wanting to be tested – a good background understanding always leads to more appropriate interpretation of test results and the best treatment.
The second major speaker of the evening was Consultant Urological Surgeon Mr Neil Haldar…and the title of his presentation (‘An Apple a Day Keeps the Urologist Away!’ ) pretty much said it all! Mr Haldar explained that one in two men will experience a urinary tract condition in their lifetime and discussed not just prostate cancer but also bladder and kidney cancer, kidney stones and erectile dysfunction. One of his primary messages was how simple everyday lifestyle choices can reduce the incidence, and improve the outcomes, of all these conditions. Healthy choices include:
- Good nutrition (less red meat and saturated fats, more fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes)
- Taking regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
- Stopping smoking, moderating alcohol and keeping well-hydrated
- More sleep and less stress
Mr Haldar then introduced Lorraine Grover, a local psychosexual therapist who has worked for the NHS for more than 30 years specialising in sexual difficulties associated with prostate cancer. She explained that there are many ways of overcoming such difficulties and stressed that sexual activity can be continued and enjoyed even after treatment.
Although the event was titled ‘Below The Belt’, Dr Owen mentioned a few ‘above the belt’ health issues, notably cardiovascular disease and mental health. He reminded the audience that su***de is the leading single cause of death for men under 50 in the UK…and that many men struggle to reach out for help, due to stigma and expectations. He provided a list of local organisations (see below) which can provide a forum for men to discuss their concerns and their own mental health.
The evening concluded with audience questions, most of which focused on prostate cancer. Attendees sought advice on:
- how regularly they should be checked (depends on individual circumstances and family history)
- whether over-the-counter PSA tests are less accurate than ones organised by the doctor (yes!)
- whether tests can give false positive or false negative results (yes, as PSA can be raised for reasons other than prostate cancer, and because ~15% of cancers don’t produce PSA)
- whether supplements such as ‘saw palmetto’ can be effective (yes, but it’s important to keep the doctor informed if any supplements are being taken)
Many of the people in attendance commented on how useful the evening was…and asked whether the presentation slides will be made available. They will…people will be able to access the slides through the practice website in due course.
