March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to focus on a disease that affects thousands of men and families every year.
At TLX, we like to connect wellbeing with purpose. This month we are taking part in March the Month, a step challenge that encourages us to stay active while raising awareness and funds for vital prostate cancer research.
Beyond the steps, this is about education, early detection, and supporting the men in our lives.
Why Prostate Cancer Awareness Matters
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. Each year, around 11,000 men in the UK lose their lives to the disease. These are fathers, grandads, brothers, partners and friends.
When prostate cancer is detected early, it is often highly treatable. That is why awareness and early action are so important.
What Is March the Month?
March the Month is a virtual step challenge that encourages participants to:
-
Walk 11,000 steps a day throughout March
-
Honour the 11,000 men who die from prostate cancer each year
-
Raise awareness and, if possible, funds for life saving research
It is a simple but powerful way to stay active, look after your own health, and support an important cause. Regular movement benefits both physical and mental wellbeing, and doing it as part of a team makes it even more motivating.
Our TLX Legends team is taking part, tracking progress, encouraging each other, and walking with purpose all month long.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a small gland found only in men. It sits just below the bladder and plays a role in the male reproductive system. As men get older, the risk of prostate cancer increases.
Who is at higher risk?
-
Men over 50
-
Men with a family history of prostate cancer
-
Black men, who statistically have a higher risk
Many men do not experience symptoms in the early stages. This is why awareness and regular health conversations are so important.
Possible symptoms, particularly in later stages, can include:
-
Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
-
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
-
Weak urine flow
-
Feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
These symptoms can also be caused by non cancerous conditions, but they should always be checked by a GP.
Detection and Early Action
There is currently no national screening programme in the UK. However, men over 50 can request a PSA blood test from their GP. This test measures prostate specific antigen levels in the blood.
If you are in a higher risk group, it is worth having a conversation with your GP earlier.
Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Often, simply starting the conversation is the most important step.
Encourage the men in your life to:
-
Be aware of their family history
-
Speak to a GP if they notice changes
-
Avoid ignoring symptoms out of embarrassment
Prostate cancer is a health issue, and open conversations help remove stigma.
Prevention and Healthy Lifestyle Advice
There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer. However, certain lifestyle habits can support overall health and may help reduce the risk of developing more serious disease.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity supports immune function, hormone balance and overall wellbeing. Even brisk walking can make a difference, which is one of the reasons March the Month is such a meaningful initiative.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight may increase the risk of more aggressive prostate cancer. A balanced diet and consistent exercise help manage weight over time.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Aim to include:
-
Plenty of fruit and vegetables
-
Whole grains
-
Healthy fats such as those found in nuts, seeds and oily fish
-
Fewer processed and high fat foods
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking
Drinking in moderation and not smoking supports overall cancer prevention and heart health.
Prioritise Regular Check Ups
This is particularly important if you are over 50 or in a higher risk group.
Walking With Purpose
March the Month is more than a step challenge. It is a reminder that small daily actions can add up to something meaningful.
Each step represents support for families affected by prostate cancer, funding for research into earlier detection, and a commitment to looking after our own health.
Whether you aim for 11,000 steps a day or set a higher personal target, every step counts.
By staying active, raising awareness, and encouraging open conversations, we can help make a real difference.
Let’s use this month to move more, talk more openly about men’s health, encourage early detection, and support life saving research.
Together, we can walk our way through March and help save lives.