Surrey Company Backs Local Charity Behind Prostate Cancer Mission

Surrey‑based washroom services company, Sanaway, has joined forces with local charity, The Prostate Project, to help raise awareness of prostate cancer and the associated risk factors, as well as encourage men to take a simple, non‑invasive PSA test.

Sanaway will promote The Prostate Project to thousands of washroom users in businesses across the south east, combining the ‘Get Tested’ message with the launch of the company’s new washroom service, ‘ONE’, the UKs first unisex hygiene solution for all washroom environments which ensures discreet disposal of personal hygiene products by whoever needs them, regardless of whether they use male, female, unisex, or accessible washroom facilities.

Sanaway’s commitment to this local charity is deeply personal. Co‑founder and Surrey resident, Graham Key’s father‑in‑law tragically passed away from prostate cancer, a loss that fuels the company’s dedication to raising awareness and supporting early diagnosis.

Graham says, “My father‑in‑law was too embarrassed to discuss his symptoms. Early detection could have led to less discomfort and possibly more time with us.

The company has pledged to provide all of its customers with vital information provided by The Prostate Project that communicates the prostate cancer risk factors including information on how men can get tested, and the signs to look for.

Sanaway will also encourage customers to invite The Prostate Project’s Man Van mobile PSA testing facility to their premises to give an informative presentation on the risk factors for prostate cancer that all men (and their partners) should know, as well as the signs and symptoms, and offer a PSA blood test to male employees who may be at risk.

“Since many men visit the customer’s washrooms that we service, we have a unique opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s services and pass on health information about prostate cancer which we hope will help break down the stigma that stops men discussing the risks and signs of prostate problems and gaining earlier diagnosis and treatment that could increase their chances of living a fuller and longer life,” says Mr Key.

The Prostate Project’s chairman, Mr Martin Davies says: “We’re delighted that Sanaway has chosen to support The Prostate Project. Such partnerships help us maintain the contribution we make and keep spreading the word about the value of early diagnosis as a key to improved cure rates.

“All our work has one ultimate goal – to give men a better chance of beating prostate cancer.”

Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in England, and in the UK,1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime with 12,000 men dying every year, that’s one man every 45 minutes; but caught early prostate cancer is usually curable.

“The condition often doesn’t have any symptoms in its early stages, so it’s important for men to be aware of their risks which include: being over the age of 50, if your dad or brother has been diagnosed, or if you are Black,” explains Mr Davies. “If you tick any of these boxes, don’t delay talking to your GP about having a simple PSA blood test which is used to help diagnose prostate cancer. It could save your life.”

It’s estimated that 1 in 10 people suffer with urinary incontinence in the UK, and men, women and children can all be affected. 1 Outside the use of hygiene disposal units for female sanitary products, ‘ONE’ units can be used by all people experiencing urinary incontinence issues which may be related to conditions such as the menopause, a stroke, dementia, obesity and prostate cancer, or because of disability and certain neurological conditions. The use of some medications may also cause temporary incontinence issues.

Sanaway’s new ONE service aims to normalise the presence and use of a universal washroom hygiene unit that can be used by everyone who needs them, regardless of whether they use male, female, unisex, or accessible washroom facilities.

Sanaway’s partnership with The Prostate Project underscores a shared commitment to community health and the importance of early detection in combating prostate cancer.