MEN are being urged to use the coming week to find out more about a life-threatening cancer which affects one in 12 males in the United Kingdom.

The local support group is using prostate awareness week, which starts on Monday, to encourage men to seek more information about the condition, which is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK.

Bolton Prostate Cancer Support Group, which covers Bury, will be manning a stand at Bolton Market Hall next Saturday (March 26) from 10am to 4pm.

Founder of the group, Mr Ian Jackson, said: "When I was diagnosed with the cancer in Easter 2003, I experienced shock and a bleak feeling of isolation and fear. I desperately wanted to talk to someone who had been through what I was about to face.

"A sister at the Royal Bolton Hospital put me in touch with patients who I could talk to. She agreed with me there was a need for a support group for men and their partners or carers."

The condition usually affects men who are over 50.

"The cancer is treatable, and the advantage of talking to someone who has been treated for the condition is that you know what to expect," said Mr Jackson, who also is a regular visitor to Bury Cancer Support Centre.

"We hold group meetings once a month, but we will also hold one to one meetings for those who may not be comfortable with group meetings," he added.

The Bolton support group can be contacted through PSA North of England on 0845 456 0678. The same number can be used to find out more about the condition and also information on its symptoms.