Prostate Research Campaign UK - Further information and support for Prostate Diseases

Prostate clinic > Further information and support

When seeking further information and support, it is important to choose your source carefully. The internet, in particular, is a popular source of material, but sites are unregulated and much of the information is unvalidated and sometimes frankly promotional. The sources listed below are just some of the myriad of books, websites and charities out there, but they should provide further sources of help and information about all aspects of prostate disorders, their treatments and their effects. Although the sources have been put into different groups (and some are listed more than once), there is considerable overlap and the headings are just suggestions as to the best place to look for information first.

General health and lifestyle

Health of Men (www.healthofmen.com) is a 5-year Big Lottery Fund initiative that provides ‘quick clear health information for boys and men of all ages’. This includes advice about all aspects of lifestyle, such as eating, exercise and dealing with stress, as well as other men’s health issues.
The NHS provides guidance on portion sizes for fruit and vegetables at www.5aday.nhs.uk, or telephone 08701 555455 and ask for a leaflet with details of typical portion sizes.
Men’s Health Forum (www.menshealthforum.org.uk) adopts a number of strategies to improve the health of men and men’s health services. One of these is a website called MALEHEALTH (www.malehealth.co.uk), which provides essential, accurate and easy-to-use information about the key health problems that affect men. It also includes an online health check.
NHS Direct gives range of information about health, conditions, treatments and local services. It can be accessed either by telephone (helpline 0845 4647), via the internet (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or, if you have digital satellite television, via the NHS Direct Interactive service.
The Must-Have Health Guide is a book by Dr Margaret Stearn that provides down to earth advice on a range of health problems that are difficult to discuss with anyone. Order from www.healthpress.co.uk or telephone 01752 202301, or visit the website at www.embarrassingproblems.com.
SAGA Health (www.saga.co.uk/health_news) provides broadly based health information for the over-50s. It also includes sections on medicines and supplements, as well as complementary medicine.

Prostate disorders

Prostate Research Campaign UK (this website) provides a number of clear, concise and up-to-date leaflets which, in addition to information on every type of prostate disease, include Sex and the Prostate and A Woman's Guide to the Prostate (all leaflets are free on request). The charity publishes a free quarterly newsletter and has also commissioned a team to précis the latest medical research into layman’s terms. Write to: 10 Northfields Prospect, Putney Bridge Road, London SW18 1PE. Telephone: 020 8877 5840. Email: [email protected].
UK Prostate Link (www.prostate-link.org.uk) provides a searchable database of quality-assessed links to prostate cancer information on the internet. Some of the information is quite detailed; for example, there is a link to data on cancer survival in England by Strategic Health Authority. It also has links to a number of sites featuring personal experiences.
Cancerbackup (www.cancerbackup.org.uk) provides comprehensive information about all aspects of prostate cancer from diagnosis to the latest clinical trials. Write to: Cancerbackup, 3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3JR. Helpline (staffed by specialist cancer nurses): 0808 800 1234.
The British Prostatitis Support Association (www.bps-assoc.org.uk) is a web-based organization that offers information and support to sufferers of prostatitis, male chronic pelvic pain syndrome and interstitial cystitis.
Health Press publishes a number of books by Professor Roger Kirby and others covering prostate disorders. Patient Pictures: Prostatic Diseases and their Treatments provides a simple guide to the most common procedures used to treat prostate problems. Fast Facts: Prostate Cancer and Fast Facts: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, although written for doctors, are also read by patients wanting more detailed information. Order from www.healthpress.co.uk or telephone 01752 202301.
The Prostate Cancer Charity (www.prostate-cancer.org.uk) provides information about all aspects of prostate cancer including diagnosis, treatment and side effects. Write to: 3 Angel Walk, London W6 9HX. Helpline: 0845 300 8383. Email: [email protected].

Treatment

Besttreatments (www.besttreatments.co.uk) is run by the British Medical Journal with the aim of helping you make better health decisions. It looks at all the best research evidence and decides how well treatments work.
AstraZeneca Urology (www.prostateline.com) provide a comprehensive site on prostate cancer and its treatment. It also contains a number of links to other relevant organizations worldwide.
The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) provides an online decision tool to help you understand the treatment options for prostate cancer and the possible side effects.
Bandolier (www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier) is an independent journal about evidence-based healthcare, written by Oxford scientists. They find information about evidence of effectiveness (or lack of it), and put the results forward as simple bullet points of those things that worked and those that did not.
The National Cancer Institute in the USA (www.cancer.gov/prostate), as you might expect, provides comprehensive information about prostate cancer, but also includes information and current news about clinical trials and trial-related data.

Emotional support

Macmillan Cancerline (www.macmillan.org.uk) has a good section that puts into words all those feelings that can be difficult to express. Write to: Macmillan Cancerline, Macmillan Cancer Relief, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ. Cancerline: 0808 808 2020. Email: [email protected].
Cancerbackup (www.cancerbackup.org.uk) offers a wide range of information for both cancer patients, and their family and friends, covering feelings, relationships and communication. The website also provides links to local support organizations by area; go to ‘Information’, select cancer type and you will find a list of services including local support groups. Write to: Cancerbackup, 3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3JR. Helpline (staffed by specialist cancer nurses): 0808 800 1234.

Continence

The Continence Foundation (www.continence-foundation.org.uk) offers information, advice and expertise about bladder and bowel problems no matter how small. Their helpline is staffed by a specialist nurse, who will be able to give you the information and advice you need, and also tell you where to find your local NHS specialist continence service. Write to (preferably enclosing a large sae): The Helpline Nurse, The Continence Foundation, 307 Hatton Square, 16 Baldwins Gardens, London ECIN 7RJ. Helpline: 0845 345 0165.

Sexuality

The Sexual Dysfunction Association (www.sda.uk.net) aims to ‘help sufferers of impotence (erectile dysfunction) and their partners’. The Association also maintains an index of consultants and others who are competent at impotence management; this information can be accessed by your GP. Write to (send an sae): The Sexual Dysfunction Association, Windmill Place Business Centre, 2-4 Windmill Lane, Middlesex UB2 4NJ. Helpline: 0870 774 3571.
Sorted in 10 (www.sortedin10.co.uk) offers information about erectile dysfunction and gives advice on approaching your doctor and treatments available, as well as advice for partners on dealing with impotence.

Practical support

Cancer Support UK (www.cancersupportuk.nhs.uk) helps those affected by cancer to remain in their own home. The website provides details of the help and support available in your area and covers a wide range of issues ranging from financial and housing matters to holidays. The information is also published in several languages.
Your local library may also be able to provide you with details of services available from your local council.

Support groups

Macmillan Cancer Support (www.macmillan.org.uk) is just introducing ‘Share’ columns, where all those affected by cancer can share their experiences.
Local support groups will enable you to meet others in a similar situation. Your GP surgery may be able to put you in touch with relevant groups. Alternatively, Cancerbackup will be able to put you in touch. Visit: www.cancerbackup.org.uk. Write to: Cancerbackup, 3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3JR. Helpline (staffed by specialist cancer nurses): 0808 800 1234.
PSA Rising (www.psa-rising.com) provides information and support for prostate cancer survivors. The site offers online forums and the latest news about prostate cancer and its treatment.