Progress - Prostate Cancer Support Group, was conceived in 1994 and launched in 1996 by a group of men with prostate cancer - the second most common cancer among men. Many had exchanged views and feelings about their problems during visits to the Urology department at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, South Wales and some of these men had received their diagnosis while participating in a screening program relating to an early diagnosis study for prostate cancer.

This led to a number of meetings held on a social/informative basis at the Royal Gwent Hospital to create greater awareness of the many problems associated with this particular aspect of men’s health. With the help of Professor Brian Peeling CBE and Mr Winsor Bowsher (Consultant Urological Surgeon, Royal Gwent Hospital) it was decided to organise a support group.

Thus, Progress - Prostate Cancer Support Group was officially launched during February 1996.

The group aims to:

·          Provide support before, during and after treatment for prostate cancer patients and those close to them.

·          Raise public awareness of prostate cancer and the possible advantages of early detection.

·          Raise money through various fundraising events to finance research into the disease and to provide medical equipment.

Volunteers from the group offer counselling to patients attending Urology clinics in the Royal Gwent Hospital and run a 24hr helpline offering support to those seeking it. Bi-monthly meetings are held in the Urology department to discuss the various activities undertaken by the group, and a successful Ladies section, “ Partners in Progress”, has been set up within the group providing sterling effort in fund-raising and offering another dimension of support to those surrounded by the problems associated with prostate cancer.

It is believed that the group was the first of its kind in the United Kingdom and it has slowly but surely developed into a very active organisation which has gained many notable accolades to date, including the prestigious “Health Promotion Wales - Good Health Wales” award in 1997 - a national award given in recognition of outstanding contribution towards improving health in Wales.

Progress has also taken part in a number of “awareness campaigns” with the Gwent Valleys Health Promotion Services in an endeavour to identify the problems and the needs to continue with the fight against prostate cancer.  A great deal of support has been afforded to the group by the press, television, radio media and Progress has featured in programmes on BBC TV, Yorkshire Television, BBC Radio Wales and Valleys Radio.

Numerous concerts, raffles, donations and sponsored activities have already benefited the fund-raising efforts and this money has already allowed the group to purchase many items of much needed medical equipment to assist with the treatment of prostate cancer. To date, the group has raised in excess of £50,000 in the fight against prostate cancer. The group has also produced a fact-sheet about symptoms and treatments associated with prostate cancer and also a CD-ROM on “Urinary Disorders & Male Health”.

In the year 2000, the group unanimously agreed to elect the first Lady Chairperson to lead the group - Mrs Irene Moore, who was a founder member of the ladies’ section. In January 2004, Irene was re-elected to the position and is continuing to develop the group to meet the challenges ahead.

About the Group

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP