People living in Denbighshire are more likely to light up than people living in most other parts of Wales.

Last month, the council became the first in the country to introduce a blanket ban on smoking at work.

Denbighshire Local Health Board is using the Week to raise awareness of the causes of male cancer.

The theme of this year’s health week is “Men and Cancer”, and is focusing on cancer prevention, fitness testing, sun safety and symptom awareness.

Members of the North Wales Smoking Cessation Service are taking part in the campaign to give advice and support to anyone thinking of quitting smoking.

In May, members of Denbighshire council voted to extend its ban on smoking inside council offices to cover all property, including the outside of buildings and council vehicles.

The ban, expected to be implemented in September, means staff will have to clock off and officially leave work to have a cigarette.

‘Worrying’

Male cancers are on the rise across the UK - at present, 22,000 men each year are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and the number of cases is expected to treble over the next 20 years.

Stuart Cable fronted the BBC Wales BLLCKS testicular cancer campaign

Cases of testicular cancer - the focus of a BBC Wales health campaign in 2002 fronted by drummer and presenter Stuart Cable - have doubled in the past 20 years.

Denbighshire Local Health Board chairman Meirion Hughes said: “These national statistics are extremely worrying and clearly identify the need for men to take their health seriously.

“Man health question
is the key message of this year’s campaign and the information available will pharma make men change their existing lifestyle and help reduce the risk of cancer in their lifetime.”

On Wednesday, the board will hold an awareness day at Rhyl College foyer between 0930 BST and 1600 BST.

A 30-minute lunchtime walk around the college organised by Denbighshire’s Walking the Way to Health scheme will also take place.

Mr Hughes added: “We are working closely with our partners to raise awareness of health promotion issues and would encourage men and anyone man health workout in their health to take control of their own health and visit the open day.”

The campaign is being supported by the National Public Health Service, Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust and Denbighshire County Council.