The Prostate Cancer Charity are leaders in the UK for research and support for those affected by prostate cancer. Many people in the UK do not even know what the prostate does, and even more have never heard of the cancer. This is why the Prostate Cancer Charity must work hard to raise public awareness as well as help find a cure.
Every year approximately 35,000 men are diagnosed with this type of cancer, which nearly matches the amount of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, showing how prominent this disease is, despite its lower profile.
Every year, around 10,000 men die from the disease, which is why the Prostate Cancer charity are campaigning to raise funds for research and give the disease a higher profile in the public eye as well as with the government.
What Do The Prostate Cancer Charity Do?
The Prostate Cancer charity have a variety of tasks, from supporting victims of the cancer, to campaigning for funds as well as to improve the quality of life of the sufferers.
The charity aim to reduce the annual deaths from this cancer as quickly as possible, and are aiming to provide the same high standard of health care to all sufferers. They also feel it is of critical importance to research and develop ways of knowing if the cancer is aggressive or slow forming, as this has major implications of how it is treated and the survival rate.
The charity have a helpline which is staffer by nurses who are specialists in this type of cancer. The helpline is not only free but confidential and for those affected with the cancer as well as those who need information or emotional support because they know someone affected.
Prostate Cancer Campaigns
The charity are aware that because of the disease's low profile, despite its proliferation, that diagnosis is often a problem as many people do not realise they have it. As a result the charity are trying to run awareness campaigns.
A high profile campaign is 'Don't Let Prostate Cancer Hide' as many people are unaware of their condition or may not know how to go about getting it seen to. This campaign includes posters and a website for information and to make donations.
There is also a prostate cancer awareness month in honour of the disease claiming many lives, despite people not being aware of this. This awareness month is to get people to realise the seriousness of the disease and to talk more openly about it, as many men are not accustomed to doing so which is a large part of the reason the disease is so hidden.
Within this awareness month, the charity encourage people to host events or raise awareness in a variety of ways. Ideas such as hosting an event, hosting talks by professionals or survivors, posters and volunteering are encouraged in order to make the awareness drive a success.