Progress in the media

"Men are dying of ignorance"

by Andy Rutherford, South Wales Argus (Published 22 March 2004)

MUCH remains to be done to raise awareness among men of the dangers of prostate cancer despite the disease's improved public profile, a Gwent conference was warned.

Many men are ignorant to the symptoms, or endure discomfort because of fear.

That was the message to those who attended the Mervyn Moore memorial lecture in Cwmbran.

But big strides are being made in getting the Government to take notice of prostate cancer, which kills 10,000 men in the UK every year.

They were told more treatments may be available in South Wales within five years.

Around 200 people attended the lecture at County Hall, organised by Progress, Gwent's prostate cancer support group, named in honour of Mervyn Moore.

The former Progress member, from Newport, died from the disease in 2001.

Winsor Bowsher, consultant urologist at the Royal Gwent Hospital, paid tribute to Mr Moore, a former patient, who following major surgery in the mid-1990s after being diagnosed with prostate cancer devoted much time offering support to other sufferers through Progress.

"Mervyn was a brave man and became a good friend," said Mr Bowsher, who talked about trends in the treatment of a disease.

Other speakers included consultant clinical oncologist Dr Jason Lester, from Velindre Hospital.

He spoke about advances in radiotherapy and other non-radical treatments like brachytherapy.

This involves implanting radioactive `seeds' into the prostate gland. It is not available in Wales yet but could be on offer by 2010.

John Neate, head of the Prostate Cancer Charity, said 2002's Prostate Cancer Charter for Action has galvanised government action on the issue, resulting in a higher profile for the disease among MPs, and the setting up of a parliamentary Prostate Cancer Action Group (PCAG).

"The Progress support group is among those to have contributed to our work, and the people of Gwent are very lucky to have it," said Mr Neate.