Let's take immediate steps to make a difference to
the lives of gay and bisexual men affected by prostate cancer -
that's the recommendation of a report published today by Prostate
Cancer UK and Stonewall.
Exploring the needs of gay and bisexual men
dealing with prostate cancer [PDF] makes a number of specific
short and long-term recommendations to meet the needs of gay and
bisexual men.
Short-term recommendations include using diverse
imagery on our website, leaflets and booklets and forming an
internal working group to raise the profile of this work.
Longer-term goals include developing a specific information
resource for gay and bisexual men; considering further training for
health professionals; developing resources for support groups;
helping men to set up their own groups; and sharing knowledge and
good practice with other organisations.
Prostate Cancer UK and Stonewall will look for
ways we can work together to put these ideas into practice.
The recommendations reflect the findings of a
workshop which brought together health professionals, researchers,
experts and gay men affected by prostate cancer - the event was the
first of its kind in the UK. Presentations and discussions
considered the gaps in information, in support and in health
professional knowledge.
If you have any questions about this work, or would like to be
involved in taking it forward, please contact Anneliese Levy at Anneliese.levy@prostatecanceruk.org
New Manchester support group
We're working in partnership with The Lesbian and Gay Foundation
(LGF) and Malecare to set up a
prostate cancer support group in Manchester. If you are a gay or
bisexual man dealing with prostate cancer, this support group will
offer you a safe and confidential environment to discuss your
concerns and experiences with other men dealing with the same
issues. Email groups@lgf.org.uk to find out
more.