[A]n event has been held by North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust for prostate cancer survivors and their families with more than 50 people attending to share their experiences.
The event took place at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and was an opportunity for men with, and those who’ve had, prostate cancer and their families to come together to discuss the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and financial challenges that can result from prostate cancer treatment.
There were also talks from Trust doctors and doctors from Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital who were there to give advice and discuss any issues with patients.
The events are scheduled to run every four months with the next one taking place in January 2018.
Jill Thursby, urology nurse specialist at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust and organiser of the event, said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK but getting men to talk about their health can be a challenge so it was fantastic to see so many people there.
“It’s not very often you get the opportunity to meet with some of the country’s leading cancer specialists so it was fantastic for patients to ask questions and have discussions around their treatment and recovery.
“I would also like to thank all of the doctors who attended and Jill Ferguson, prostate cancer survivorship nurse from Newcastle’s Freeman hospital, who helped to make this event happen.”
Jim Allan, who attended on the evening and is chairman of the local prostate cancer support group, said: “This was an excellent event and I would encourage all those who have been affected by prostate cancer to attend.
“Our group meets once a month and gives people the chance to talk through their issues with other prostate cancer survivors but it was invaluable to have the doctors there and to learn about new treatments.
“Having prostate cancer and going through treatment is tough but talking about it really helps.”
The Carlisle prostate cancer support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at Morton Manor between 7pm and 9pm.
