A group of five retailers have linked up with the charity Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness of the disease among men.

The campaign, involving Iceland Foods, The Food Warehouse, The Range, Wilko and Homebase, aims to encourage men and their family and friends to talk about prostate cancer and learn more about their potential risk of the disease.

“Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men, yet too many still don’t know their risk or feel able to talk about it.,” said Tarsem Dhaliwal, group chief executive of Iceland Foods.

“That’s why we’re proud to stand alongside other major retailers this March to help reach millions of men with vital information.

“By sharing clear, accessible messages in our stores and on our social channels, we want to encourage men, and those close to them, to take a moment to check their risk using Prostate Cancer UK’s Risk Checker.”

Customers will be pointed to Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk check through their Retail Together campaign. QR codes directing customers to information will be available in store.

A focus is to dispel common myths about prostate cancer, including that men need a rectal exam to check for the disease.

The Range chief executive Alex Simpkin said: “With one in eight men affected, we have a real opportunity to help more people understand the risk and take action early.

“By sharing clear information in our stores and encouraging customers to use the charity’s Risk Checker, we hope to spark conversations that could ultimately save lives.

“We’re proud to stand alongside fellow retailers in this collective effort and we urge more businesses to join us in spreading this vital message even further.”

Prostate Cancer UK chief executive Laura Kerby added: “Although prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, too many men are being diagnosed by chance.

“Having such prominent retailers commit to helping us reach men will make a huge impact.”

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