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Charter for Action - Background

The Prostate Cancer Charter for Action was first launched at the House of Commons on 29th January 2003. It represents the coming together of all the key charities and professional organisations working in the field of prostate cancer, speaking with a collective voice.

The Prostate Cancer Charity is highly committed to the aims of the Charter and is extensively involved in its work. John Neate, the Chief Executive of the Charity, is a member of the Charter’s Steering Group and a member also of the Prostate Cancer Advisory Group.

Following three successful years of driving for improvements in the way that prostate cancer is handled in the UK, a Charter phase two was launched at the House of Commons on 31st October 2005.

What is the Charter?

The Prostate Cancer Charter for Action is, as its name suggests, exactly that - it is about action to give men a better deal when it comes to prostate cancer. It represents a balanced programme to make a difference. It is a series of expectations of Government, calling for action on:

  • Transparency
  • Public Awareness
  • Patient Care
  • Resources

How is the Charter funded?

The Prostate Cancer Charter for Action is funded by a grant from the GUS Charitable Trust.

The positive involvement of the GUS Charitable Trust has proved to be a very effective catalyst in enabling the Charter signatories to achieve more together than they could have done apart.

What is Government’s response?

The Government’s response to the launch of the Charter was to immediately announce the setting up of The Prostate Cancer Advisory Group. The Group, chaired by Professor Mike Richards, National Cancer Director, brings together representatives of the Department of Health, health professionals, researchers and Prostate Cancer Charter for Action signatories. It advises on all areas of Government policy on prostate cancer.

Political support

The Prostate Cancer Charter for Action has a broad range of political support, not only within the UK Parliament in Westminster, but also in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.