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John Battle MP Signs EDM For The Prostate Cancer Charity

John Battle MP backs campaign to ensure men with prostate cancer are no longer ‘left in the dark’ because of critical gaps in care

A Leeds MP has shown their commitment to driving vital improvements in the care and support services available to men and their partners receiving a common treatment for prostate cancer.
John Battle MP for Leeds West (Labour) was among a growing number of politicians who signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) congratulating The Prostate Cancer Charity on launching their ‘Hampered by Hormones?’ campaign, which highlights a severe lack of information and support for men receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer. By backing the motion, MPs are calling on the Government to ensure that existing national guidance, relating to the effective treatment and care of men with prostate cancer, is fully implemented.

Research carried out by The Prostate Cancer Charity revealed that many men are ‘left in the dark’ about the impact hormone therapy may have on their lives – meaning that they, and their partners, are unprepared for the possible side effects of treatment including a loss of libido, hot flushes, fatigue, breast swelling and depression.
John Battle MP commented: “The potential side effects of hormone therapy treatment can be shocking and really effect men’s lives– especially if men and their partners are not prepared before treatment begins. It is vital that we join together to ensure that men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer receive the support and information they need to help them cope with the potential side effects of the treatment.”

Through their campaign, the Charity wants to highlight the critical gap in care that men on hormone therapy face - which they can receive for several years - with one in two saying they received ‘too little’ information and support to help them manage the side effects of treatment which can limit their quality of life.

Anna Jewell, Head of Policy and Campaigns for The Prostate Cancer Charity, explains: “I would like to thank John Battle MP for showing their support for the EDM. We want to mobilise a movement for change in the UK in tackling prostate cancer to drive up the quality of care they receive. We can only do this when everyone with an interest in prostate cancer is prepared to take some action. By signing the motion, he is making a clear commitment to helping us ensure that men and their partners are no longer left in the dark about the support available to help them cope with the impact of side effects.

“Our findings highlight serious shortcomings in how well the information and support needs of men living with the effects of hormone therapy - and their partners - are understood and are being provided for. For instance, many men do not receive written or verbal information on the potential side effects of hormone therapy before they begin treatment - nor are they asked about their experience of side effects or given ways to manage these. This is unacceptable and we urgently call on the Government to review our findings and recommendations and take action.  Only then, will we see men who are receiving hormone therapy and their partners being given the level of care and support they deserve and are entitled to.”

Now the Charity is seeking the support of the public for the campaign to ensure men with prostate cancer get the care they deserve.  Anyone wanting to add their support to the campaign can visit their website www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/hormones or request more information on supporting the campaign from campaigns@prostate-cancer.org.uk, by calling 0208 222 7622.

In support of the campaign, the Charity has also produced a short video, featuring international rugby legend, Andy Ripley, and other men living with the disease, offering a frank testimony about how the treatment impacted upon their sense of masculinity and affected their relationships.

To view the video click here: http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/hormones/

 ©John Battle MP 26 June 2009