| Hello! |
| It’s hard to believe we’re already midway through November. Time seems to have flown by this year. November has been an eventful and poignant month in the world of prostate cancer. The heartbreaking news that Sir Chris Hoy has been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer has brought this disease into sharp focus. Media coverage has surged, shining a light on the urgent need for greater awareness and action, particularly around screening. As a federation, Tackle Prostate Cancer is resolute in ensuring that the voices of those affected by prostate cancer are heard. In the past month, we’ve taken significant strides to amplify this cause by engaging with key decision-makers and influencers at two parliamentary events. At Prostate Cancer UK’s Faster, Fairer, Better campaign launch, our trustee, Dr. Frank Chinegwundoh, spoke passionately about the lack of a national screening programme. As a long-standing advocate and clinician, his frustration at the persistent gaps in prostate cancer care was both moving and galvanising.At the Prostate Cancer Research event, our former Vice Chair and leader of the Living Well with Advanced Prostate Cancer group, Aidan Adkins, delivered a powerful call to action for screening. His heartfelt words inspired everyone in the room.Our Vice Chair, Tony, has been tirelessly championing our cause across the UK and Europe—from Hamburg to St James’s Palace. Last week, Tony and I ,along with several of our Support Group Leaders joined Aidan at the Houses of Parliament for the Prostate Cancer Research event, reinforcing our commitment to change.A Statement from Tackle Prostate Cancer’s Trustees Tackle’s Board of Trustees has issued a strong and unequivocal statement on the urgent need for a national prostate cancer screening programme. “Being diagnosed with cancer, or even suspecting you may have it, is one of life’s most vulnerable moments. For men with prostate cancer, this journey is made even harder by the lack of a national screening programme and persistent inequalities in access to care and treatment. The costs of late diagnosis—emotional, personal, and financial—are devastating for men and their families. The strain on the NHS is equally significant. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting 1 in 8 men, and 1 in 4 Black men. Despite this, we have no effective way to routinely screen men at risk. This is unacceptable. While progress is being made, it is far too slow for the thousands of men whose lives are cut short by late diagnosis every year. We pledge to use our resources and expertise to push for a national screening programme at pace, while continuing to support men and their families through their diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.” Prostate cancer remains a significant public health challenge. Around 52,000 men are diagnosed each year in the UK, with nearly 13,000 deaths annually. Alarmingly, nearly 1 in 5 men diagnosed are already at stage 4, where the disease has spread beyond the prostate. This is particularly pronounced among Black men, who are disproportionately affected and often diagnosed later. We stand firm in our mission to change this. A national screening programme is not just a goal—it is a necessity. You can read the full statement here. Following the recent media focus, several groups have reported a spike in inquiries over the last couple of weeks. We would love to hear if more people have joined your groups or if you’ve had interactions with the media. Remember, we are here to support you, so please do get in touch. Thank You Chat soon, Sarah and The Tackle Team. |
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
| As part of our Movember Peer Navigation/Buddy programme, we are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Train-the-Trainer workshops in January (30th and 31st). The workshop led by Aidan Adkins is designed to prepare participants to effectively lead our new two-day Peer to Peer Navigation training programs across the UK. This opportunity is perfect for those looking to enhance their impact and play a key role in supporting those at recently diagnosed. By joining our workshop, you’ll receive the essential skills and knowledge needed to deliver future Peer Navigation training sessions, which are crucial to our outreach and support efforts.While experience in coaching, counselling, mentoring, or training is beneficial, it is not required. We are keen to welcome anyone who is enthusiastic about learning and committed to helping others through their expereince of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. .Join us to make a significant difference in our community while developing your own skills in a nurturing and professional environment. All out of pocket expenses will be paid including, travel, and if necessary accomodation. |
| Prostate Cancer Research – Launch Report on Socio-economic Impact of Prostate Screening |
 From left to right, Aidan Adkins, Rt Hon. James Cleverly MP, Rt Hon. David Lammy MP, Josh Babarinde MP, PCR CEO Oliver Kemp and Sir Steve McQueen. |
| At a well-attended parliamentary event last week, Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) launched their landmark socio-economic report, attracting significant attention from media and stakeholders. The event featured notable figures, including all those in the photo above, who all spoke at the event. Also, attending was former Prime Minister Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak and celebrities like Jon Holmes, John Bishop, Gary Lineker, and James Corden, underlining the urgent need for advancements in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The report outlines three strategic recommendations to revolutionise prostate cancer care:Immediate Targeted Screening: Implement targeted prostate cancer screening using the PSA test for high-risk groups such as Black men and those with a genetic predisposition. This focused approach is both cost-effective and requires minimal changes to the health system.Diagnostic Trials: Initiate trials for new diagnostic tests, such as reflex tests, to gather essential data across diverse populations. Successful outcomes could expand the screening programme to include more accurate diagnostics, improving both economic and health outcomes.AI Integration: Integrate AI-driven technologies in the NHS to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of screenings. This technology aims to reduce unnecessary procedures and optimise resource allocation, thereby improving patient care and system efficacy.Additionally, the report underscores the crucial role of support groups in aiding those newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. Connecting individuals with these groups is vital for helping them navigate the emotional, physical, and practical challenges of their diagnosis. Full report can be read here: |
Hot Topics to share with your Group Members  This months Hot Topic includes a link to the TRANSFORM Webinar that we ran last month. As well as news from PCUK and PCR. Please download and share with your group members |
| Group Leaders Meeting-We want to hear from YOU |
 This friendly and supportive group is open to anyone in an organising role . If you haven’t been before, please do come along. As this will the the last meeting of 2024, we want to hear from you, at next months meeting. Please contact us to let us know what you have been doing in 2024 and share news and succes ywith other Support Group Leaders. Date: Tuesday December 3rd Time: 11.00am- 12.30 Link: Button Below |
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| In need of some promotional material? |
| We have four styles of branded pull up banners, and we can personalise A5 flyers for your group in a range of designs. Support grants may be available to fund these. To find out more, please contact us at [email protected] |
