Community, connection and coming together: why I march for men every year

When Ketan Patel was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, it was the start of a long journey. After having surgery to remove his prostate the following year, he experienced some unexpected challenges and had to spend a lot of time at home. 

But as he moved forward on the road to recovery, Ketan felt a strong desire to draw closer to the prostate cancer community. And in 2017, taking part in our March for Men event became a powerful source of motivation for him. 

Almost 10 years later, it's become an annual tradition - and a highlight in the social calendar - for Ketan and his family. It's not only a special occasion to spend with his wife and children, but a unique opportunity to connect with thousands of others who've been through similar experiences with prostate cancer. 

Here, Ketan - now a March for Men veteran! - explains what this special event means to him.

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How did you first hear about March for Men?

My wife learned about March for Men while I was recovering from surgery. She was doubly motivated to get involved because her father had been diagnosed too, a couple of years before me. She wanted to shout about prostate cancer, raise money and make an impact. 

How has taking part in March for Men helped you?

In a way, it was something positive to aim for. After having surgery in 2013, I had the usual side effects – like incontinence. But then I got tuberculosis (TB) and sarcoidosis of the lung because my immune system was down. I was incapacitated for about two years, staying at home a lot.  

I went with my wife to her first couple of March for Men events, cheering her on and clapping from the sidelines. As I began to feel better, I started doing light exercise, like short walks and some hospital physiotherapy. I was building up to my first proper march with my wife in 2017 – and we’ve done it every year since. 

How has March for Men changed since you started going?

It’s got bigger and better! There’s been a noticeable increase in numbers since I started. When it was in Stratford, east London, there were just a few tents. Now, in Battersea, we’ve got marquees, food stands, music and more toilets – which is especially important for men who’ve had prostate cancer treatment. 

There’s also more space for things like pushchairs and wheelchairs, so it’s easier for the whole family to join now – the dog too! 

Do you worry about managing your incontinence during the event?

No – it’s well organised and they always keep men with prostate cancer in mind. As I mentioned, there are several toilets – a main toilet block and some portable toilets along the routes – so you can change your incontinence pads frequently if you need to, and they have free male and female sanitary products in case you run out.

It’s hygienic too, and people often wear masks. It’s important to wear a mask if you’re not feeling well out of consideration for those who may have a lowered immune system from their treatment.

What would you say to men who aren't sure about going on their own?

I’d say don’t worry. There’s a real sense of camaraderie at March for Men. And it’s really easy to strike up conversations – we’ve all got common ground after all.  

Cancer can be a lonely experience – prostate cancer especially. In my community, there can be a real reluctance to talk about it. That’s one of the reasons I go – because I want to get people talking and change the culture a bit.  

Someone you know might have prostate cancer. They might even be having treatment. But they don't talk about it. Like my father-in-law – I’d always ask him, because we were both going through the process, but he didn’t really want to talk. Some people don’t even feel able to speak to their doctor, and then they end up with a late diagnosis. It’s really sad. 

How would you describe the atmosphere at March for Men?

Everyone lets their guard down a bit. I remember at one event, I was walking alongside an older man who had come by himself, and we started talking. He told me his diagnosis was terminal but that he’d come to terms with it. It meant a lot that I was able to give him that level of support and understanding.  

If you talk to anyone who’s been on a march they’ll say the same thing: you always have meaningful conversations. Another time, I remember I’d detached from my group to run to the loo, and I started speaking to a couple with a baby. They weren’t part of the event but asked what we were doing. They didn’t know much about prostate cancer at all, but the man said he’d be sure to get checked – especially now that he was a father. This is the power of just walking around in the ‘Man of Men’ T-shirt.  

We usually wear the T-shirt to and from the event too. It sparks conversations on the tube or the bus. It always amazes me the number of people who haven’t heard about prostate cancer, and have no idea about their risk factors or getting checked.  

You're part of a group that take part in March for Men every year. How did you come together?

It started with just me and my wife. Then our children started coming. And then our friends and the people who were sponsoring us joined.

People went from supporting to participating because the event is such a great day. My family, friends and support group have been indispensable in making March for Men such a success. 

In the weeks running up to the event, we also have our own mini March for Men in the local park. We don our T-shirts (or ‘Man of Men’ hoodies, depending on the weather!) and go out on a Sunday morning. This always gets conversations going, and sometimes we even raise some money too.

Tell us your numbers! How many kilometres have you walked over the years? And how much have you raised?

This year's March for Men takes place in Battersea Park, London, on Saturday 13 June. Sign up today to get our early bird offer (ends 6 April).

If you live too far from London to attend the event, doing your own March for Men can be just as impactful. All you need is a T-shirt and somewhere to walk! If you'd like support with organising your own march, we're here to help. You can email our March for Men team at [email protected] 

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