Kate Synott, Fundraising Manager at UK urological cancer charity UCAN, completed the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training course in Aberdeen which involved being submerged upside-down in a mock helicopter.

She is now qualified to make regular trips offshore where she will spread the word to workers as to how to spot the warning signs and symptoms of the four main urological cancers – kidney, bladder, testicular, which particularly affects men aged between 20 and 44, and prostate, which usually affects older men.

Synott has yet to make her first offshore flight but she is hoping many organisations, keen to ensure the good health of their staff, will invite her to visit their platforms so she can reach as many people as possible.

“The main purpose of these trips is to raise awareness and educate men, and women, on the early signs and symptoms of urological cancers.” Synott said:

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“Urological cancers affect both men and women but my main drive is to tackle men’s attitudes and increase their knowledge base. Offshore is an ideal environment to do so as it is still a male dominated workforce.

“Hopefully after my trips offshore people will head home armed with the knowledge which will empower them to seek further medical advice should an abnormality be suspected.

“I am urging as many companies as possible take UCAN up on this offer because it could be a decision that saves many lives.”

UCAN was established in late 2005 to raise awareness of urological cancers and raise £2.6million ($5.2 million) to support patients and their families.