Prostate Cancer Charity
The challenge Prostate cancer can often be successfully treated if it is diagnosed early enough. But it isn’t always diagnosed early enough
Every year in the UK prostate cancer kills 10,000 men. After lung cancer, it kills more men than any other cancer. And millions more men are affected by prostate problems such as an enlarged prostate and prostatitis. The disease is as big an issue for men as breast cancer is for women, yet we still don’t understand nearly enough about it. Research has been badly underfunded; the main tests are unreliable; and treatments can often bring damaging side effects. This has to change
It’s urgent
- The numbers of men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year is rising. It is predicted to become the most common cancer by 2030. And an ageing population means even more men are likely to face other prostate diseases
- We have set out clear plans to invest in research and create innovative support solutions. We plan to lead a movement for change, bringing men, politicians, health professionals, and others with us, We need support now to help us deliver better services today and find answers for tomorrow
We support men
We support men and families affected by prostate cancer, prostate problems and the effects of treatment by providing specialist information and services Our UK-wide telephone and email helpline is staffed by specialist nurses dedicated to supporting anyone with concerns about prostate problems. All our services for men are also open to their family and friends. Our peer support service offers anyone confronted with prostate cancer the opportunity to talk with a trained support volunteer. Many people find talking with someone who has been there really helpful. We also provide up-to-date information about all prostate problems. These are reviewed by people who have experience of prostate cancer (personal and professional)We have community support services established regionally across the UK to meet and respond to the local needs of men and their families. This includes improving access to specialist services like dealing with side effects, providing information for local support groups and increasing awareness of prostate cancer amongst at risk communities. We are funding new health care roles throughout the UK to ensure that men receive the best support where they need it when they need it
We find answers
We fund research into tests, treatments and the causes of prostate cancer. Since 1996 we have invested more than £23 million, which has helped to:
- develop a new treatment for early prostate cancer
- set up a prostate cancer research centre to nurture talented researchers
- reveal that African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men of the same age
But, despite our efforts, prostate cancer research is still badly underfunded and we still don’t know enough about other prostate diseases
The future
With help from The Movember Foundation, we’ve pledged to triple the amount we spend on research between 2012 and 2015 and invest this in projects to:
- identify men at highest risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer
- identify men who have the aggressive form of the disease
- develop more effective treatments, particularly for advanced prostate cancer
We lead change
We campaign and collaborate with others to get the best treatment and care for men with prostate cancer and prostate problems
Working together
We work with politicians and fight to give all men access to the best possible care. We collaborate with health professionals to improve standards. And we fund specialist prostate cancer roles within health services and help health professionals develop prostate cancer expertise through education
Spreading the word
We invest in publicity so that more people know about prostate cancer, especially men in high-risk groups: men over 50, African Caribbean men and men whose father or brother has had prostate cancer
The future
By 2015 we want the quality and consistency of care to have improved and we want a coalition of health professionals, experts and decision makers to be working together for change
If you have concerns about prostate cancer, call Prostate Cancer UK’s specialist nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org to find out more information and order information booklets.
Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company 2653887
