Joe Appiah: Kent Athlete’s Prostate Cancer Diagnosis | BBC News

A former semi-professional footballer and athlete from Kent is advocating for a change in public restroom facilities to accommodate men experiencing urinary incontinence following prostate cancer treatment. Joe Appiah, diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2021, is supporting Prostate Cancer UK’s “Dispose with Dignity” campaign, which calls for sanitary bins to be installed in all men’s public restrooms.

Appiah revealed his initial shock at the diagnosis, stating, “I just couldn’t process it… You understand, one minute, I’m breaking world records, the next minute, you’ve got cancer.” He explained that a friend, as well a hurdler and prostate cancer patient, urged him to seek medical advice, despite initial reluctance from his GP to authorize testing. Tests revealed cancer in the majority of 18 samples taken.

Following his operation, Appiah experienced incontinence, a common side effect of prostate cancer treatment. He described the experience as “horrible,” comparing it to “turning the taps on.” This led him to realize the need for readily available sanitary products and disposal options for men facing similar challenges. “Initially, after my operation, because of the incontinence, I was afraid to head out,” Appiah shared, highlighting the embarrassment and lack of confidence he felt.

Prostate Cancer UK argues that the lack of sanitary bins in men’s restrooms reflects a broader societal lack of awareness and support for male incontinence compared to women’s health issues. Nick Ridgman, the charity’s support services head, noted that many organizations and workplaces still do not provide these bins. The charity estimates that one in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among men in the country.

Appiah’s advocacy extends to public platforms, including an appearance on ITV’s “Good Morning Britain” on March 5, 2026, where he discussed the challenges of male incontinence and the importance of the “Dispose With Dignity” campaign. He emphasized that incontinence isn’t limited to prostate cancer patients, affecting men with other health conditions as well.

Prostate Cancer UK is also working with NHS England to locate 14,000 men who have not yet begun treatment for prostate cancer since the start of the pandemic, recognizing the importance of early diagnosis, and treatment. The charity is urging individuals to share their risk checker with family, friends, and colleagues to support identify those who may need medical attention.