"When news about prostate cancer is of national interest, then
Prostate Cancer UK will get involved.
A recent example was the campaign to get the Scottish Government
to change its mind over abiraterone and a well orchestrated media
campaign played a significant role in achieving that. One major
help was another volunteer, who spoke of the fact that he had had
to cash in his pension in order to able to afford the treatment.
Human experience can make all the difference in telling a
story.
And for most people, that is what you are being asked to do. It
could happen during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month or Movember,
for example and it may be the local newspaper contacting you for
your story.
So if you’re being asked for your story, here are my top
tips
- Ask them for a wee bit more detail and then ask them to call
you back in ten minutes.
- During that ten minutes write down some bullet points e.g.
symptoms, diagnosis, suggested treatment, actual treatment, how you
feel now and who to thank.
- Keep it short and simple. Make sure the journalist understands
what you’re saying and refer them to the Prostate Cancer UK website
for more specialised information.
- Don’t forget to take down their phone number.
- No journalist is trying to catch you out but you may be asked,
for example , ‘would it be fair to say such-and-such?’ and if you
say, ‘Yes’ you will be quoted as saying such-and-such’!
- Read the piece when it’s published. If there is a major error
then contact the Editor and ask for a correction, but never forget
that the reason you have been asked in the first place.
- If in doubt check with the Media team at Prostate Cancer UK who
will support you through the process.
By sharing your experience, you can help others to do so as
well. Hope this helps!"
John Thomson