Producing health information at Prostate Cancer UK

Delivering the right information at the right time helps to save lives. Our health information helps men understand their risk of prostate cancer so they can take steps to get diagnosed early, and empowers them to choose treatments that are right for them. Prostate cancer has a huge impact on the lives and wellbeing of men and those close to them. They need support and information of the highest quality to help them throughout their journey.

Prostate Cancer UK produces extensive information resources on a wide range of topics covering risk, diagnosis, treatments, and wellbeing online. Printed versions of our information resources are also available to order for free from our website.

We recognise the vital importance of accurate and up to date health information that men can reply on. This is why every resource we produce follows the Patient Information Forum’s (PIF) best practice recommendations.

• Information is created using a consistent and documented process.

• Staff are trained and supported to produce high-quality information.

• Information meets an identified consumer need.

• Information is based on reliable, up-to-date evidence.

• Patients are involved in the development of health information.

• Information is written in plain English.

• Print and digital information is easy to use and navigate.

• Users can give feedback on information.

• Information is promoted to make sure it reaches those who need it.

• The impact of information is measured.

The PIF tick is awarded to organisations who demonstrate they are trusted information creators. Prostate Cancer UK was awarded the PIF TICK in July 2022. Our health information is assessed annually to ensure the PIF TICK's standards are maintained.

The Health Information Team

Our health information team consists of experts in biology, scientific research and social sciences. They are highly skilled in interpreting the latest research and clinical guidelines to create accurate and unbiased evidence-based information that is easy to understand. Some of the team also have years of experience working in the NHS supporting people through cancer treatment.

You can read more about their day-to-day work here.

Before any new information is published, it's reviewed by:

·       our amazing volunteers who all have experience of living with and after prostate cancer.

·       our team of Specialist Nurses who provide their clinical expertise.

·       health professionals working within the NHS to make sure our information is accurate and reflects current medical practice.

Our use of artificial intelligence (AI) in producing health information

The use of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives is becoming more common. For some people this can cause worry and concern about how information is produced and if it can be trusted.

At Prostate Cancer UK all our health information is checked, reviewed and updated by our health information team. We do not use any AI based tools in the creation of health information. We do use a tool called the Hemmingway Editor to scan our information and identify sentences that might be hard to understand. The team then makes changes themselves to make our information more accessible.

We use the ReciteMe accessibility and translation tool to help everyone access our content in the way that suits them best. This tool translates our digital information into many written and spoken languages automatically. We have carried out our own testing and we are confident that Recite Me provides a reliable service. However, automated translations may not always be perfect, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of every translation in every language. Read more about ReciteMe.

Funding our health information

Our information is produced using funds donated by our generous supporters. We do not accept financial donations or gifts in kind from any private companies or pharmaceutical companies that could jeopardise the independence and integrity of our information. The information we produce is based purely on published scientific and medical research.  

Our health information disclaimer

The information on our website is meant to be a general guide, and everyone’s experience of prostate cancer is different. We’re not here to replace your doctor, and each GP practice or hospital will do things slightly differently. Always get advice from a health professional to help you make decisions that are right for you.