Male cancer problem growing
Friday March 20th, 2015
More than 30,000 men in the UK are living with advanced, incurable prostate cancer, new research reveals today.
The figures, released by Macmillan Cancer Support as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, are higher than for any of the other top four cancers and more than one third greater than estimates for breast and colorectal cancer.
Results from the analysis, which is published in the latest edition of the British Journal of Cancer, have led Macmillan to call for improved cancer services to manage the rising number of people who are surviving cancer in the UK.
Research has shown that a man with advanced prostate cancer could survive for an average of four years after diagnosis, while previous Macmillan studies have found that 84% of men with advanced prostate cancer also have at least one other serious health condition that affects further their quality of life.
With a growing cancer population and recent advances in treatment for progressive cancer, the number of men living with advanced, incurable prostate cancer in the UK will continue to increase further, says the study.
Jane Maher, joint chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, called for the main political parties to commit to improving cancer care and outcomes.
“It is welcome news that survival rates are improving, but as people with advanced prostate cancer are living longer with their illness, their needs now resemble those of people with other long-term conditions,” she said.
“The majority of their treatment might be over, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need the support of the healthcare system.
“With the ongoing development of a cancer strategy for England and the imminent General Election, this is the time for key decision makers to commit to prioritising cancer care and supporting people living with the disease to lead healthy and fulfilling lives after treatment.”
For information on prostate cancer visit macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support
Tags: Cancer | Men’s Health | UK News
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