New support service for men in the Highlands suffering from prostate cancer
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Men in the Highlands diagnosed with prostate cancer will be offered one-to-one support under a new scheme.
Cancer charity Maggie’s Highland and Prostate Scotland have joined forces after research revealed men in rural areas often have a poorer outcome due to later diagnosis.
The numbers of those diagnosed with the disease is also predicted to rise.
Prostate Scotland will direct men in the Highlands and Islands to Maggie’s – which has a centre in the grounds of Raigmore Hospital in Inverness – for specialist support.
Centre head Seonaid Green said men in rural areas were often diagnosed at a later stage of the disease than men in urban settings.
“This leads to poorer outcomes from treatment and more ongoing quality of life issues as the cancer may have progressed further by the time treatment is started,” she said.
“It may also mean they may have different treatment options available, along with more physical complications when they first hear that they have prostate cancer.
“We have seen an increase in the numbers of men diagnosed in Highlands and Islands and this is predicted to rise a further 35 per cent over the next couple of years.
“This is what makes our work in the Highlands and Islands area so important.
“Hopefully, our new partnership with Prostate Scotland will lead to an increased level of awareness and in turn, more men in the area will reach out earlier for help.”
Stephen Bird who lives in Sutherland, welcomed the new partnership.
“As someone who has had prostate cancer – I know the value that information and support about topics such as treatment decisions and managing side effects can bring,” he said.
“I believe this new service is a very positive step and will be of real value to men with prostate cancer across the Highlands.
“My message is that if you have been diagnosed with, or have prostate cancer, which can be an uncertain time for many, and have a question or need that wee bit of extra help or knowledge – don’t hesitate to seek it out.”
Maggie’s Highlands is one of 23 centres in the UK, plus three international ones, providing support to people with cancer.
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