Two rugby legends have joined forces to raise awareness of the risk of prostate cancer for men in Wales as part of the ‘Check Your Third Nut’ campaign.

Sir Gareth Edwards, originally from Gwaun-cae-gurwen, and Robert Norster are backing the Prostate Cymru campaign which is being run in conjunction with Community Pharmacy Wales, Local Health Boards and Public Health Wales from June 18 until 30 to raise awareness of prostate cancer and the associated symptoms.

Statistics from the health charity, Prostate Cymru, reveal that prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Welsh men and over 550 Welsh men will die from this disease every year.

There are many treatment options for prostate cancer, but the best results are obtained when the cancer is detected early.

Only men have a prostate gland. The prostate is located deep within the pelvis and is the size of a walnut.

This campaign will raise awareness amongst Welsh men of their prostate cancer risk and encourage them to discuss the options available to them with their GP or their local community pharmacist.

Russell Goodway of Community Pharmacy Wales said: “More men die from prostate cancer than women from breast cancer.

"Community Pharmacy Wales are pleased to help highlight this important campaign and urge any men who may have symptoms to speak to their GP or go to one of the 714 local community pharmacies around Wales who will be able to speak with them about their concerns and offer advice.”

Tina Tew, of Prostate Cymru, added:“As a Welshman, your risk of getting the disease is 1 in 8 and if you have a brother or father who has (or had) prostate cancer your risk increases to 1 in 3.

“This Check Your Third Nut campaign is a step towards making sure more men are aware of their prostate explaining what it is and the symptoms to be aware of.

"We are hoping the campaign will empower men in Wales to speak to their doctor or community pharmacist if they have any concerns.”

Early stage prostate cancer does not tend to present symptoms but is potentially curable.

Common symptoms of prostate disease to look out for include needing to urinate more often than usual, difficulty starting to urinate, straining or taking a long time to finish urinating, a weak flow when you urinate, a feeling that you’re not emptying your bladder fully, needing to rush to the toilet – sometimes leaking before you get there and dribbling urine after you finish.

For further information about prostate cancer please visit prostatecymru.com.