The Results of our First National Survey
What are your experiences of NHS care? This is the question we put to over 1,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer within the last three years. The results showed that whilst excellent NHS teams support some men, others suffered serious gaps in their care.
One man in five, for example, was given his diagnosis insensitively. Some were even told by phone or by letter. Over a third of men were not given access to a specialist nurse with whom to discuss their diagnosis. And almost half were given no written information about the disease, treatments and side effects.
John Neate, Chief Executive, says "Many men singled out doctors and nurses who gave them fantastic care. But all too often the comments described men’s anger and frustration with an NHS inadequately resourced for proper prostate cancer care – preventing health professionals from giving men with prostate cancer the time, care and information they need."
John Essex, 62, from Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002. "I went to a specialist cancer centre and was amazed to find that they had no idea that hormone treatment can cause breast enlargement and loss of libido. My side effects were very disturbing and I felt terrible. But I came up against a blank wall and couldn’t find anyone to help. I felt very alone."
Dr. Chris Hiley, author of the report and Head of Policy and Research at The Prostate Cancer Charity added: "We must improve all men’s experiences of health care choices. Help them demand attention. Change society’s views so men’s entitlement to tailored health care is as respected as women's."
Read more about the First National Survey.
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