Focused support communities
Support groups around the country exist to provide support to people affected by prostate cancer by providing an opportunity to share experiences and to pick up information. We know that many people find support groups very helpful. You can find a support group near you here.
If you do not have a local group, or would prefer not to attend a support group but would still like to make contact with other people affected by prostate cancer you can become part of our online community.
Group support for gay and bisexual men
We know that sometimes some of the experiences and issues which some gay and bisexual men want to talk about may not be the same as heterosexual men with prostate cancer so we are looking at a range of ways to increase access to relevant support.
If you identify as a gay or bisexual man, or a man who has sex with other men, and you are seeking to share experiences and ask questions of other men from the same communities. We have created a dedicated space in our online community where you may wish to post specific messages where other gay and bisexual men or MSM can respond.
Support groups for gay and bisexual men
There are a small number of support groups in England which specifically aim to support you:
- Out with Prostate Cancer (Manchester)
- Metro Walnut London
- Out With Prostate Cancer Midlands - email
Group support for younger men
We know that because the majority of men who have prostate cancer are diagnosed when they are over 60, that it can sometimes be harder for younger men with prostate cancer to find others at support groups who are currently sharing some of the same experiences e.g. concerns about your ability to continue to work after a cancer diagnosis, worries about supporting younger children or the impact of side effects such as erectile dysfunction on relationships.
We have created a dedicated space in our online community which may help younger men to connect with others with similar concerns or experiences.
Money and employment advice
Macmillan Cancer Support have produced information offering money and employment advice:
Group support for African/African Caribbean men
We know that there are only a few support groups aimed specifically at men from the African/ African Caribbean community. While support groups welcome anyone affected by prostate cancer you may have specific questions or experiences about which you want support from other men from the African/ African Caribbean men so we are looking at ways to increase access to relevant support.
We have created a dedicated space aimed at African/ African Caribbean men in our online community which you may wish to post on.
Support groups and resources
The following organisations may also be helpful to you:
- 100 Black men of London
- Association for Prostate awareness
- Benjamin's Brothers
- Birmingham Empowerment forum
- Black Health Initiative
- BME Cancer communities
- BME Health Forum
- Can-Survive UK
- Friends and Bedrins Prostate Cancer support group
- Friends of the Caribbean
- The Caribbean and African Community Health Support Forum Ipswich
- The Lake Foundation
- Time2Reason about prostate cancer
Information for black men
This leaflet is for black men. It explains about prostate cancer and other prostate problems, including who is at risk and what changes to look out for.
Group support for transgender women
Support groups around the country provide support to people affected by prostate cancer by providing an opportunity to share experiences and pick up information. We know many experiences that transwomen with prostate cancer have will be different to men with prostate cancer and so existing support groups may not have the breadth of knowledge and experience to best match those of transgender women.
At the moment we are still trying to get a better understanding of the support needs of transwomen with prostate cancer so that we can develop appropriate resources or work with other organisations to ensure resources and support are available. We have created a dedicated space in our online community which may help you connect with others with similar concerns or experiences.
We are investigating other ways of providing group based support and will post more information as we develop these. Please contact Sue Boyes if you have suggestions on group based support you would find useful.
Support groups and resources
Active Surveillance online support
We run a monthly group chat from men who are on active surveillance and want to share experiences and ask questions to other men on the same treatment. The group chat happens on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7-8pm. Active surveillance is a way of monitoring localised (early) prostate cancer, rather than treating it straight away. You might hear it called active monitoring.