Don't let prostate cancer hide

Mark Foster

Olympic swimmer, Mark Foster is fronting this years Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Foster, who swam to victory, earning medals in the Commonwealth, European and World Championships, has posed in his pants to show his backing for the campaign at Marks & Spencer stores across the UK, as part of the retailer's ongoing support of the Charity.

"I am only too happy to get involved in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Men can be notoriously reluctant to talk about their health, and it's for this reason alone that I wanted to do my bit to bring prostate cancer out into the open, and put it in everyone's consciousness.

"I have spent half of my life in swimming trunks, so its not a big deal for me to strip off to my pants. If it makes all of my Strictly Come Dancing fans more aware about prostate cancer, and encourages them to start a conversation with the men in their lives, then so much the better,"

Sir Stirling Moss

"Nine years ago I was told that I had prostate cancer. I knew nothing about the disease and the diagnosis came like a bolt from the blue. Thankfully, my cancer was caught early and my treatment was a success. This is why I am urging all men to put themselves in the driving seat when it comes to their health, this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. We cannot allow prostate cancer to hide any longer."

Bruce Oldfield OBE

"Working in the world of fashion means that you have to be ready for anything. However, like many men, I was unsure how to react when I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer when I was 48. African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop the disease - something that is often shrouded in taboo. This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month I am urging people to break down the myth and mystery which often surround the disease and start talking."

Ian Wright

"Over the years I've learnt that you can't take your eye off the ball when it comes to your health. Many men don't like to talk about things that happen below the belt but that doesn't mean you can ignore the signs if something goes wrong. A lot of people tend to think that prostate cancer is something that happens to men of a certain age, but if you have a father, brother or close relative diagnosed with the disease, you too could have an increased risk of getting it too. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month hundreds of individuals from across the UK will join forces to get people to start talking about this disease - it's time to give prostate cancer the red card."

Max Beesley

"Me and my family had to face up to the 'hidden cancer' when my Dad was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago.

"We are not alone. I was shocked to find out that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. 35,000 men, like my Dad, are diagnosed every year in the UK. They are all someone's grandad, uncle or brother."

"It is becoming less taboo, but some men still find it hard to talk about. We all need to be aware of prostate cancer and lose the fear around discussing it. Let's not let prostate cancer hide."

"Through early detection and successful treatment thankfully my father is now in total remission. It is one of the more curable cancers and one with which due diligence and fast action can be treated successfully for many many men"

Jason Gardiner

"Prostate cancer is something that not many people like to talk about but it is a cause that is very important to me. My Grandfather had a prostate cancer scare and luckily he was brave enough not to hide from his fears. He confronted his symptoms head on and thankfully given the all clear. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I'll be doing my bit to bring prostate cancer out into the open and urging all men to be as brave as my Grandfather and if in doubt, check it out."

Harlequins

As a rugby team we have to confront our fears head on. We would not hesitate to take on someone twice our size on the pitch and likewise we would not hesitate to tackle any problems with our health. Every man in the UK should take themselves off the subs bench and stand up to their health. If we all pay attention to this years Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and get talking about the disease, hopefully we can drop kick prostate cancer in to touch.

Donal MacIntyre

"In my line of work I spend a lot of time undercover, hiding my identity. This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I want all men to do just the opposite - to come out of the shadows and take charge of their health. Prostate cancer isn't a disease that just happens to other people - it is the most common cancer in men and can devastate the lives of thousands of people every year."

Debbie McGee

"I have spent much of my professional career concealing myself in a host of strange and bizarre places in the name of magic. However, I am now asking men to do the opposite - do not hide from prostate cancer. My dear dad has had the disease for a good many years, yet it is not spoken about as openly as other cancers. I hope that during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month we can join together and encourage people to start talking about this hidden disease - finding out about it could save your life."