Phil was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006. He visited his GP after watching a television programme about prostate cancer and thought he could be at risk after learning that African Caribbean men are three times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than white men.

"I didn't have any symptoms but I knew a couple of tests were a bit concerning. I'd been on The Prostate Cancer Charity's website, and knew I could ask for a biopsy, so I did, and it turned out I had early stage, aggressive prostate cancer."

Phil, a father of three, underwent robotic surgery for prostate cancer in October 2006 at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, London and was back at work 4 weeks later. Having being diagnosed by chance, Phil decided he wanted to do something to make other men aware of this disease.

Phil was recently awarded an MBE in 2008 for his services to the local community in helping young people get off the streets and into worthwhile activities.

Phil said: "It is terrifying to think that I could so easily have carried on without knowing anything about prostate cancer despite the fact that it is the most common cancer to be diagnosed in men in the UK. Luckily my GP was very supportive when I raised my concerns with him and I caught the cancer in time to have successful treatment but it saddens me to think that others may not have this chance.

"Ultimately it is up to us men to respect and take responsibility for our health but I needed a lot of support from my friends and family."

Fisherman, Mick, 65, was successfully treated for advanced prostate cancer five-years-ago. He had ignored the fact that he constantly needed to go to the toilet, which is a potential symptom of prostate cancer, until he saw one of The Prostate Cancer Charity's posters of a dripping tap.

Since his diagnosis, Mick has become one of the Charity's most prolific supporters. From running half marathons and handing out information leaflets, to talking to men down at the pub, Mick has campaigned effortlessly to make people more aware of prostate cancer.

Father of four, Mick, said: "It was a complete shock when I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. If I had not seen the poster of the dripping tap in the pharmacy, I may not be here today. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. I want to use my own experience to help men become more aware of the possible symptoms of the disease before it is too late."

Travel writer, Carrie, 53, sadly lost her husband to prostate cancer two years ago. Although, Graham was going to the toilet more frequently and especially in the night, neither realised that this could be a potential sign of prostate cancer. They also did not know about the PSA blood test, used to diagnose a problem with the prostate.

Graham eventually discovered that he had prostate cancer in 2004 after being hospitalised for a blood clot. The couple were told that his cancer was at an advanced stage and had spread to his bones. Graham was put on hormone therapy but three and a half years after he was diagnosed, Graham died, aged 62.

Carrie says: "We had a wonderful, loving marriage and I'm thankful for that. But now I feel that if only we'd known about prostate cancer, and about our right to ask for a PSA test, we could have caught it earlier and might have had longer together."

Doug, 62, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2009. He is currently receiving hormone therapy treatment and recently addressed guests at the House of Commons to promote further support and information for men on the treatment for the Charity's Hampered by Hormones? campaign.

Like many men, Doug was not informed of the possible side effects that he could face from hormone therapy treatment.

Doug said: "I was given no information at all about the possible side effects of hormone therapy treatment or indeed how to cope with them. I find living with hot flushes particularly embarrassing, especially when meeting new people who aren't aware of my condition. My wife and I are now resigned to the fact that our sex life is effectively over. I'm disturbed by the fact that I may be losing my masculinity.

"I found it difficult to read up about the disease due to the wealth of conflicting information available, whereas my wife is up until the early hours doing research on the internet to identify ways to reduce my side effects. It's not enough to simply be given a sheet of information at diagnosis. Men need to have the opportunity to sit down with a specialist and discuss how the treatment could affect them."

Watch the video to see Doug speaking about his experiences.

Couples describes how prostate cancer impacts on the lives of people affected by the disease. It also celebrates what is gained both by seeking and providing support.

The project uses photography, interviews and sound to share experiences and promote a better understanding about the support needed to cope with prostate cancer. It involves people from across the UK and a range of backgrounds and lifestyles including all ages and types of relationships - including partners, sisters, daughters, friends and colleagues. The interviews and photography can be viewed at http://www.prostatecouples.com/

The Couples project was launched in 2010 at the Drill Hall, London as a stage perrformance acted by Maggie Steed, Joseph Marcell, Carolyn Pickes and Simon Chandler. We were delighted that it was a complete sell out and people in attendance included health professionals and some of the Couples themselves.

The performance has been filmed and the DVD will be available soon. For more information please contact Kate Cowling: kate.cowling@prostate-cancer.org.uk or call 020 8222 7136.

COUPLES is an artistic collaboration between Dr Daniel Kelly, Reader in Cancer and Palliative Care at Middlesex University and the acclaimed photographer, Tim Wainwright.