Out of the Water Closet - Its time to tackle Benign Prostate Disease

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Men's Health has received a report with the above rather unfortunate title.  It was prepared for the committee by the Men's Health Forum, a charity that provides an independent voice on men's health.  Prostate Research Campaign UK contributed to the report whose major findings were:

* That benign enlargement of the prostate (BPH) has a major impact on men's quality of life.

* By the age of sixty, about half of all men will have urinary problems caused by BPH, a figure which rises to 80% by the age of 80.

* The impact of BPH is a greatly neglected issue.

* The majority of men are ill informed about the workings of their own bodies.

* Little work has been done to increase men's awareness of prostate health.

* There is an urgent need for greater. publicly funded health promotion activity on benign prostate disease.

* Health professionals in Primary Care require further education on the diagnosis and treatment of BPH.

* There is a great need for more research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of benign disease.

Ronnie Corbett entertained those attending the launch of the Men's Health Forum report.  Referring to his own history of BPH he advised all men to go to their doctor at the first sign of trouble.  "I know from personal experience that there is no point in ignoring the symptoms and avoiding the doctor. The sooner you go and seek help the better".

Dr Howard Stoate MP, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Men's Health said: "As a GP I completely understand why benign prostate disease is described as a cinderella problem.  Too many men are leading miserable lives because they know too little about the disease.  The All Party Group believes it is time for benign prostate disease to be taken seriously and we wholeheartedly back the Men's Health Forum's recommendations for action."