With so many organisations working towards a better future for cancer patients, it’s vital to target funding to the biggest gaps in the system.

A huge effort is needed to deliver the breakthroughs that will mean no individual will have to fear a cancer diagnosis in the future. With almost 700 cancer research charities in the UK in 2020, we needed to make sure that we were not investing in problems which were already being solved by others, while other, critical research needs slipped through the cracks.

Last November, we released our ecosystem report, the result of an in-depth analysis of the entire prostate cancer research landscape.

Funding science that matters to patients

We discovered that some research areas urgently need more attention. For example, there are unanswered questions around why cancer spreads from the prostate to the bone and patients urgently need these questions answered.

We also realised more needs to be done to consider other common health conditions that many people will experience alongside their prostate cancer. We highlighted these questions to UK scientists during our last funding opportunity. As a result, two new projects have just started, one in Cardiff and one in Newcastle, taking different approaches to understand, block and reverse the spread of cancer to bone.

We launched another project over the summer, based in London, which investigates the difference between prostate cancer in obese and non-obese men, but which will ultimately benefit all, no matter their weight.

While one in eight White men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer that figure jumps to one in four Black men (yet drops to one in 13 for men of other ethnicities).

Taking action to tackle racial injustice

Much of our knowledge of cancer comes from studies which predominantly involved White men. This is a particular problem in prostate cancer because while one in eight White men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer that figure jumps to one in four Black men (yet drops to one in 13 for men of other ethnicities).

It is time to take action to help improve the situation for Black men as research in this area has been neglected. We are now asking researchers to submit proposals addressing both the biological and social reasons that influence a Black man’s risk of developing prostate cancer and how effective his treatment is likely to be. We are also asking for studies which seek to improve our understanding of the fears, perceptions and real-life impact of cancer in the community.

We are committed to doing all we can for patients, families and communities affected by prostate cancer. With more support and partnerships from individuals, donors, and other organisations, we can do even more.

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We need to break down the stigma and raise awareness of the incapacitating effect incontinence can have on a person’s quality of life, specifically for those with a spinal cord injury.

Many people with bladder problems worry about going out in case there are ‘leaks’, but with the help of proper bladder management, including different forms of self-catheterisation, a person can limit the risk of leakage and accidents by having control of when the bladder is emptied.
“It is so important to offer the best education to the person with the injury so they can make a decision about their care, quality of life, dignity and freedom. They are the most important person within the rehabilitation team, the rest of us are there to provide assistance to enable that person to be as independent as possible in the most positive way possible,” says Professor Ruth Marshall, President of ISCoS.

It is so important to offer the best education to the person with the injury so they can make a decision about their care, quality of life, dignity and freedom.

Let’s talk about bladder issues

To cover this topic in depth, we have collaborated with Wellspect® on a urology focused episode within the ISCoS podcast series: “SCI Care: What Really Matters.” This specific podcast episode explored the issue of incontinence, the fear that comes with not knowing where or when one might have an accident and the impact this can have on a person’s quality of life – causing the profound sense of loss, indignity and disempowerment. It can affect everything, from work to family and social life. Incontinence has a great way of disrupting relationships, often through embarrassment and shame.

We discussed the importance of dignity and breaking the stigma surrounding bladder and bowel care and what it is like having to adjust to a life with a condition that means you do not have normal control of your ability to empty your bladder and bowel. For many, the best option may be intermittent self-catheterisation (also known as clean intermittent self-catheterisation or CISC). There are now many choices available to ensure that dignity and empowerment are regained.

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Global collaboration can accelerate scientific breakthroughs in prostate cancer diagnosis.

If prostate cancer is caught early enough, it can be cured. However, the tests we currently have that help diagnose the disease, such as the PSA blood test, can be unreliable. It means some men’s cancers are missed, while other men are subjected to repeated unnecessary biopsies. 

More accurate, less invasive tests are urgently needed so that clinicians can make better-informed decisions about their patient’s treatment. 

It’s a hugely complex problem and one that can only be solved by bringing together the scientific community’s brightest minds and enabling them to work together. 

Sharing knowledge of what works and what doesn’t not only reduces duplication of effort but allows scientists to build on each other’s learning. 

Sharing global research knowledge 

In 2015, Movember established a global network of researchers from Canada to Australia to work on the problem. Sharing knowledge of what works and what doesn’t not only reduces duplication of effort but allows scientists to build on each other’s learning. 

There are now some promising developments on the horizon. Results from a Canadian study, published earlier this year, built on findings of a European work, which found compelling evidence in favour of using MRI-guided biopsies. 

Closer to home, a team from the University of East Anglia have developed a urine test that tells clinicians whether their patient is likely to need active treatment within the next five years. This breakthrough is the result of years of collaborative effort between scientific teams across the globe. That collaboration drives scientific advances much more quickly and leads to better outcomes for men. 

Helping men stay healthy and connected 

As a charity, we work to raise funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,250 projects around the world.

In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, Movember is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives. 

The post Working together is the key to beating prostate cancer faster appeared first on Health Awareness.

We believe that science and medical research will beat paralysis. Our work funds the research needed to improve movement and restore function, so that paralysis will no longer be considered a life sentence.

We’ve seen the power of scientific research through the development COVID-19 vaccination and how this is helping to restore the freedoms we take for granted. As an organisation we are looking to use the same urgency to help accelerate the development of life changing treatments for those with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

Most people with SCIs would say that they would rather have their bladder and bowel control returned to normal than being able to walk again.

Lizzie Tench’s story

Lizzie Tench was badly injured nine years ago when she was cycling to a local café for breakfast, she was thrown off her bike after being hit by an overtaking car. Lizzie knew that something was seriously wrong as she couldn’t feel anything below her waist. 

Lizzie was rushed to a trauma ward where they confirmed her worst fears: she had an incomplete T12/L1 spinal cord injury. She spent five painful days at the trauma ward, followed by three and a half months in a specialist spinal unit coming to terms her injury and the harsh reality of not being able to walk again. 

At this point she didn’t realise the effect of her injury on her bladder and bowel control. She says: “I assumed I was wearing a catheter because I was physically unable to get up and go to the toilet.”

Problems with these functions are more of a hidden issue but affect almost everyone with a spinal cord injury. It can have a devastating impact on health, independence and quality of life. For Lizzie, the lack of control means a loss of freedom and spontaneity. It also results in embarrassing accidents, especially when out in public, and urinary tract infections. Lizzie also highlights that “Most people with SCIs would say that they would rather have their bladder and bowel control returned to normal than being able to walk again. Research into restoring function is very important.”

Creating life changing treatments

At Spinal Research, our Below the Belt portfolio of research projects focuses on restoring these functions and brings together teams of scientists to help tackle this urgent need. We currently have five research projects in this portfolio that are using innovative treatments to help improve function. 

One of these exciting projects is a two-year clinical study being led by Dr Sarah Knight at the London Spinal Injuries Unit. Dr Knight will recruit 20 individuals with a spinal cord injury who will receive a combination of spinal cord electrical stimulation and bladder training programme to help improve bladder function.

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Surgeons are urging patients with prostate problems to seek diagnosis and treatment at the earliest opportunity to avoid treatable conditions becoming much more serious. 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, has been described as ‘practically inevitable’ in the older men. The condition is relatively common, affecting more than 40% of men in their 50s and up to 70% of males in their 60s, but if left untreated or undiagnosed it can have an impact on quality of life.¹ The enlarged prostate presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms.

Dangers of delays

Consultant urological surgeon Rajesh Kavia, who is an expert in the field of prostate conditions, explains that symptoms of BPH, can vary from patients complaining of slow urine flow or incomplete bladder emptying, to wanting to go to the toilet more often or with a degree of urgency.²

Mr Kavia, from the urology department within the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, explains: “A lot of men put off asking for referral to secondary care from their GP, because they think that their only options are medications or the traditional surgical options which do carry a risk of sexual dysfunction and incontinence.”

“One of the dangers of delaying treatment for this condition is about 4% of patients may not be able to pass any urine at all and their pain and discomfort has to be relieved via a catheter. This becomes more serious with high-pressure chronic retention.”*

“This can cause damage to the kidneys,” he says, “but if we catch it reasonably early it can be reversible.”

A patient having the procedure can usually go home the same day after passing urine often within a few hours of the procedure.

Treatment options

Mr Kavia says after diagnosis there are various treatment options available to patients from tablets, minimally invasive procedures through to the more traditional surgical options.

For the majority of men, the first course of treatment is still medication. Specifically, alpha blockers, which relax the muscles and make it easier to pass urine. Another group of medications are 5alpha reductase inhibitors, which shrink the prostate. They are effective but are also a lifetime commitment and some men do experience side effects from the medication. Surgery is another option offered to men who experience side effects from the medication or who find that it is no longer effective.

Traditional surgery is available to BPH patients but involves cutting away enlarged tissue and can cause sexual dysfunction, among other side-effects. It also requires an inpatient stay and a more prolonged recovery time.³

He says: “When I counsel patients for their surgical options, one of the key factors on deciding which option will be most suitable for them is the size of their prostate. If the prostate gland is very large, a patient may be offered more traditional surgery, such as laser or TURP, but if it is smaller, we can look at minimally-invasive techniques.”*

For that approach, he opts for the UroLift^® System technique which lifts the enlarged prostate, so it no longer blocks the urethra. This is a proven approach to treating BPH and has been extensively studied.⁴

Faster recovery

The UroLift^® System does not require heating, cutting, removal, or destruction of prostate tissue.^5-10 Available on the NHS, it is generally performed under a local anaesthetic, or with slight sedation as a day-case.¹¹

“A patient having the procedure can usually go home the same day after passing urine often within a few hours of the procedure. The majority of patients do not need a catheter following the procedure, which makes it unique as most procedure options may require this,” he adds. “The procedure is the leading BPH procedure shown to not cause new onset, sustained sexual dysfunction*.

“Most patients will experience a quick recovery, though some can experience pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine, and have an urgent need to urinate. Occasionally, a catheter may be required.”

One of the major risks that may lead to poor outcomes after treatment, is if patients wait too long before speaking to their GP and subsequent seeking diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is important to seek help if you have concerns.

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There are a few key terms within benign prostate disease which need to be understood carefully, as the terminology can be potentially confusing.

Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) refers to the clinical finding of physical enlargement of the prostate, which is benign and not cancerous. Benign prostate obstruction (BPO) is bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic enlargement. 

Benign prostate hyperplasia/hypertrophy (BPH) refers to a histological diagnosis – and hence can only be theoretically made after operation. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is a non-specific term for symptoms which may be attributable to lower urinary tract dysfunction.

In contemporary clinical practice, we use the term LUTS/BPH to refer LUTS caused by BPE resulting in BPO.

Studies show that the prevalence of LUTS/BPH is around 13% in men aged 40-49, rising to a third of men over the age of 70. 

Identifying key symptoms 

Symptoms from LUTS/BPH may be primarily due to physical blockage to the bladder/urethra, or due to secondary changes resulting in bladder overactivity. Symptoms due to the physical blockage from the prostate are termed obstructive/voiding symptoms. Typically, they would be poor flow, straining, incomplete emptying, hesitancy and intermittency. Overactive bladder symptoms include frequency, urgency (with or without leakage) and nocturia. 

Urologists will commonly use the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS.pdf (baus.org.uk)) to objectively quantify the severity of symptoms and its effect on quality of life. The IPSS is very advantageous in that it is valid, reliable and reproducible. Importantly, for clinical follow up, it can also be subsequently used to objectively establish response to surgical treatments.  

High risk groups 

We do not fully understand the exact cause of LUTS/BPH, but age is the biggest risk factor. Studies show that the prevalence of LUTS/BPH is around 13% in men aged 40-49, rising to a third of men over the age of 70. 

Furthermore, the prevalence increases to 88% in 80-year-old men. The natural history of LUTS/BPH is that it is a slowly progressive condition with an inevitable deterioration of symptoms as men get older. 

Seeking support 

It is vitally important that men with symptoms seek help. Primarily, a clinical assessment is needed to exclude or diagnose prostate cancer, symptoms of LUTS/BPH can be non-specific and as such, do overlap with some prostate cancer symptoms. 

Secondly, when a firm diagnosis of LUTS/BPH has been made, there is a significant risk of developing complications, also called “clinical progression” of symptoms. This refers to the future risk of developing acute urinary retention, need for operation, risk of kidney failure and risk of developing urine infections. 

All these complications can be potentially life threatening and may require emergency hospital admission and treatment. Importantly, the complications may be avoided if men seek help early.

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Men matter too. Infertility is not just a female issue as men account for around half of all infertility problems. With male infertility rates on the rise, it’s time to face the problem head on.

The experiences my wife and I had while exploring fertility issues showed me just how little support and understanding there is around male fertility. I wanted to encourage men to open up and talk about the topic and, most importantly, to get the right support.

I wanted to encourage men to open up and talk about the topic and, most importantly, to get the right support.

Talking tackle

While making the documentary Stand Up to Infertility, we set up in a shopping centre in Cardiff and invited men to come and talk about their fertility – their experiences and how they felt. I didn’t think it would be easy to ask strangers to talk tackle, but I didn’t realise exactly how hard it would be – and that’s a real problem. 

Sadly, it’s a pretty common experience, and that’s why the HIMfertility campaign aims to educate men on what affects their fertility and encourage men to speak up without fear. I am delighted the campaign merged with Fertility Network UK’s male fertility initiatives. Together we are dismantling common myths about male fertility and tackling taboos.

Male-only monthly online meetings

It’s been a pleasure to co-host a monthly Zoom group, and see the online group grow on Facebook. We started off with a handful of men opening up for the first time on our documentary, sharing their experiences and now we have hundreds of men able to access peer support online. If you are affected, why not join the next meeting. 

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Infertility is as emotionally distressing and isolating for men as it is for women, as a survey looking at men’s experiences of the disease revealed.

Data from the fertility regulator the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) show that the majority (37%) of couples seeking IVF or ICSI (intra cytoplasmic sperm injection) do so because of male factor fertility problems. 

A Fertility Network UK 2017 survey looking at men’s experiences of infertility revealed the impact of infertility on men. The majority of men (93%) said their wellbeing was affected; two-thirds said their relationship was, 40% felt their mental health suffered; a third reported their work was negatively affected and half felt there was not enough support and information for men.

Change is happening. Increasing numbers of men are talking publicly about their experience of infertility.

Lack of equality 

One man described infertility as “the most upsetting, dark and emasculating experience of my life,” another said, “it made me feel less of a man.” A third noted that fertility treatment itself can be one-sided and insensitive, commenting: “the whole experience has been focused on my wife… even consultant’s letters about my genitalia are addressed to my wife. There seems to be no equality.”

However, change is happening. Increasing numbers of men are talking publicly about their experience of infertility, including comedian Rhod Gilbert and racing driver and FNUK ambassador Toby Trice. 

Causes of male infertility 

Male infertility has a variety of causes. Problems with sperm delivery are common and can be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), injury and varicoceles. Another common issue is sperm production or function problems, which may be related to STIs or undescended testicles. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, steroids and age can also play a role.

Unfortunately, there are still very limited options for treatment of male fertility problems, with nothing that can be prescribed. ICSI is used to select a normal sperm for fertilisation, but this does not solve the problem of male infertility. Given this, it is more important than ever that men are supported in their struggles.

The post Why fertility is firmly a male issue appeared first on Health Awareness.

There are just over 10,000 cases of bladder cancer in the UK each year₁. It can be easily treated if caught early, yet we rarely talk about this type of cancer and its symptoms. 

David, 75, a retired Bomb Disposal Operator from Clevedon was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October 2020. He knows only too well how important it is to get those early symptoms checked after he initially dismissed blood in his urine as a strain.

“I had one occurrence of blood in my urine after a day of lifting heavy slabs in September, so I dismissed it. Two weeks later, there was blood in my urine repeatedly, so I sent off a urine sample to my GP. I was referred to the urology one-stop clinic and got my diagnosis the very same day.

“I initially underwent the TURBT procedure (transurethral bladder resection), to remove two tumours, four were found and were graded as G3 aggressive. By December, three more tumours were found and after a difficult decision, in January I underwent surgery to remove my bladder, prostate, urethra, seminal vesicles, lymph nodes and form a urostomy.

“I now live with my NHS ‘bag for life’, I was told I wouldn’t see next Christmas without it. I’ve adjusted pretty well. Initially I had regular visits from the stoma nurses in hospital to teach me how to change my bag and general advice. 

If I could offer any advice, it would be to recognise that blood in the urine should be an alert straight away. Don’t ignore or make excuses for symptoms.

Support has been a big part of recovery

“I’ve been married for 54 years, myself and my wife support each other through everything, and we treated this as one of life’s hurdles. I also have two grown up daughters who I’m very close to. Support groups such as my charity Clevedon Men’s Shed and other social groups such as the Facebook Bladder and Bowel Community Support Group have been a good place for me to talk. It helps that I’m generally a positive person and not much phases me.”

“If I could offer any advice, it would be to recognise that blood in the urine should be an alert straight away. Don’t ignore or make excuses for symptoms. If you do end up going through it, then think positive, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Write down any questions you have for doctors and take elasticated trousers into hospital, you’ll thank me for it!”

Accessing advice and support 

Stoma nurses play a vital role in the recovery and management of stoma care following surgery for bladder cancer, which is why the Bladder and Bowel Home Delivery Service employs a team of stoma nurses to help those who have any ongoing issues or questions following their surgery. 

Facts about Bladder Cancer

• There are just over 10,000 cases of bladder cancer in the UK each year (2015 – 2017)¹
• 16th most common cancer in women (2017)¹ 
• 8th most common cancer in men (2017)¹
• Mainly affects people over the age of 75 (2015 – 2017)¹
• Nearly half of bladder cancer cases are preventable (2015)¹

¹ Source: Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/bladder-cancer#heading-Zero, accessed August 2021

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It can be challenging at times to talk about incontinence, but support groups can help you to realise that you are not alone.

I can still vividly remember the time when I first realised that I had become totally incontinent of urine.

It was four weeks after my radical prostatectomy and two weeks after my catheter had been removed. I was in the bathroom standing naked and having a shave. I looked down and found I was standing in a small pool of urine – it was literally dripping out of me.

I had been warned that there would be a period of incontinence after the catheter was removed. Instead of staying the same or slowly improving, my incontinence had just worsened. I openly wept for the first time.

I saw my surgical colleague and the bottom line was: “Time will tell. Surgical options may be available, but probably not until after one year.” I felt desolate. I felt very alone.

I was horrified at how little most men know about how their bodies work – particularly concerning both incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

Finding support groups 

The major breakthrough was when I went, with some trepidation, to my local prostate cancer support group. Would it be full of wet, whingeing old men? Nothing could have been further from the truth. I was greeted with warmth. I felt able to talk frankly about my problem.

Yes, of course, as soon as it became apparent I was a doctor I changed from being support-ed to being a support-er. But it changed my attitude to my problem. I took control of my life. 

Improving patient understanding 

I was horrified at how little most men know about how their bodies work – particularly concerning both incontinence and sexual dysfunction. It prompted me to become involved with charities such as Tackle Prostate Cancer and Prostate Cancer UK. I now talk freely about my problem. I do my best to improve the knowledge of patients so that they can access the best possible treatment.

I hope I have changed lives, because other patients with whom I have talked have changed mine. Other men do the same as I do. I believe peer support is vital to managing this disease. One year after my prostatectomy I had the implant of an artificial urinary sphincter. This has revolutionised my life and, 12 years later, I remain virtually totally continent.

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