THE Malcolm Group recently demonstrated its support for the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative by hosting free screening sessions at its Linwood heritage centre.
Malcolm’s male employees over the age of 40 were invited to give a blood sample to be tested. The initiative was extended to friends, family, and local businesses, while a second day opened the scheme up to the general public.
The Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative aims to improve early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer. The scheme was launched in Glasgow by Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, Scottish rugby legend Kenny Logan, leading businessman Sir Tom Hunter, and professor Sir Chris Evans.
The initiative is targeting 25,000 men aged between 40 and 80 being tested across Scotland this year. Malcolm Group is one of several businesses to champion the project, joining the likes of McGill’s Buses, Arnold Clark, and City Facilities Management in encouraging men to register for testing events.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Scotland, with 1 in 10 diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime. Scotland also has one of the worst rates of Stage 4 prostate cancer diagnoses, hence the push for earlier screening.
The test comprises a simple blood sample. No physical examinations are involved. Results are sent confidentially to participants within 48 hours by an independent testing team, with advice and support provided to individuals regarding next steps, if necessary.
Nicola Robertson, whose late grandfather Donald Malcolm founded the Malcolm Group, said feedback from Malcom Group employees to the initiative has been wholly positive. “The staff have all been really appreciative of it,” she said. “We’re doing the screening tests as part of the working day; it’s so easy. We started at 4.30am this morning so we could catch the nightshift drivers.”
Nicola revealed demand has been so high that the business might have to add a further day to enable everyone who wants a test to receive one.
“We’ve had people saying the booking slots are all full, which is amazing. I knew we’d get some interest; I didn’t think we’d get the interest we have.
“Today is Malcolm’s day, and we’ve also reached out to some local companies as well. Tomorrow is general public day. We expect over 900 people over the two days. I’m watching guys walk in and they’re walking back out within five minutes. It is really quick and so easy to do.”
The campaign is particularly pertinent to industries like construction, which have majority-male workforces. That is compounded by the fact men are statistically more likely to delay seeking medical attention than women.
“The majority of our workforce is male, and we do have a lot of over 40-year-olds,” Nicola added. “I just think it’s so important to get yourself checked. You’ll hopefully have nothing, but if you do have something, you’ll catch it early enough, sort it out, and life will be fine and you can kick on.”
