Free health 'MOTs' in world's biggest male ageing study

23 Aug 2007

South Asian and Afro-Caribbean volunteers (40-79 years) required

Researchers at The University of Manchester are offering free health 'MOTs' to older men from South Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities as part of the world's biggest study of male ageing.

Professor Fred Wu and his team at the Andrology Research Unit and the Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) Unit of Epidemiology need 400 ethnic volunteers aged 40-79 for the latest stage of the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS) of more than 3,200 older men across the continent.

They will carry out a range of tests at a time and venue to suit the volunteer, then repeat the process in five years to see how their health and fitness has changed.

Those taking part in the confidential study will receive a report that they can keep as well as £30 for taking part and travel expenses.

It could even save their lives - an EMAS pilot study in Manchester revealed three cases of undiagnosed cancer, two of the prostate gland and one of the blood (leukaemia).

Professor Wu explains: "An MOT on your car costs you £50 but with this 'MOT' on your health, it is you who gets paid.

"Not only will you get a full health check, you will help your sons and grandsons have better health in later life thanks to your contribution to our research. For example diabetes and heart disease are disproportionately prevalent in Afro-Caribbean and South Asian men living in the UK - this study could help us find out why, leading to the effective treatment and preventative measures."

To take part in the study, contact:

• Carly Moseley on 0161 276 6670 or Gill Aarons on 0161 276 6353 or email info@emasweb.org

This study has received ethical approval from North West MREC - reference 01/8/95.