NEW GROUP AIMS TO HELP MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER

Jul 27 2007 By Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

LC 192507

THE NUMBER of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in West Lothian has increased, leading to action from health chiefs.

Statistics have revealed that the number of men contracting the disease has risen in the last year alone and so a support group has been set up to help those affected.

The group, which meets at St John’s Hospital, in Livingston, is aimed at men who have recently been diagnosed with the condition or anyone interested in finding out more about it.

The session was organised by urology consultant Tony Riddick after research revealed the worrying rise.

Mr Riddick asked an Edinburgh support group to meet at St John’s Macmillan Centre to make it easier for local men to attend.

He explained: “It is not always convenient for men from West Lothian to travel into Edinburgh, so I asked the Edinburgh group to try to test the level of interest in West Lothian and see if a sub-group could meet at the Macmillan Centre, in St John’s.

“The Edinburgh and Lothian Support Group meets every second month at the Maggie’s Centre, at the Western General Hospital, and has well-attended meetings.”

The work of the group is explained in leaflets and posters, which can be found in clinics, surgeries and libraries throughout the county.

The group targets men recently diagnosed with the disease and all members are linked by telephone through a ‘buddy system’ where men can share their experiences of treatment with others.

It also offers patients the chance to meet and chat to people who have had treatment, allowing them to help each other through a difficult and traumatic time.

Charlie Hogg, one of the group’s organisers, said that the campaign aims to increase survival by raising awareness of the disease.

“Prostate cancer is a curable condition made incurable by late diagnosis,” he said.

“A number of campaigns including posters at washrooms in Tynecastle and Easter Road and features in newspapers throughout the Lothians have been geared to getting men to recognise typical symptoms.

“The campaign is based on getting information to the target group of men to provide them with the best chance of survival by understanding the benefits of early detection.”

The next meeting will be held at St John’s on Wednesday, September 19. Anyone wishing more information can call Charlie on 01506 845981 or can e-mail chsc14012@blueyonder.co.uk.