Worksop: New service for men with prostate cancer

A new service supporting men living with and beyond prostate cancer is being launched in Worksop.
Guardian NewsGuardian News
Guardian News

The Can Ability programme will provide men affected by prostate cancer and their families with group support, information and physical activity to help them come to terms with living with the disease and the unwelcome side effects of treatment.

Prostate Cancer UK is commissioning the programme which runs over 13 weeks, for half a day per week, at the Aurora Centre, in Memorial Avenue.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with 40,000 men diagnosed with the disease in the UK last year. Although it can often be successfully treated if caught early enough, treatment can bring with it a number of side effects including incontinence, lack of libido, depression and anxiety.

Can Ability has already been successfully piloted in Teesside. In addition to the group support, information and physical activity it incorporates one-to-one consultations for the men, support sessions for family members and signposting to other services.

Men affected by the disease, their families and healthcare professionals are invited to attend a presentation either on Wednesday 20th or 27th November at 2.30pm at the Aurora Centre, which will highlight what the programme involves and how it can benefit men with prostate cancer.

Participants and wives from the Teesside group will be on hand to share their personal experiences.

Leti Hawthorn, exercise and cancer specialist commissioned by Prostate Cancer UK said: “Not only is prostate cancer the most common cancer in men, it is set to become the most common cancer overall by 2030.”

“Being diagnosed with the disease can be devastating and men are often left feeling isolated.”

“The new Can Ability programme will help men in the Worksop area come to terms with the disease and treatment effects and they will gain support from others in similar situations to themselves.”

“We’re delighted that this project has been commissioned and encourage anyone affected by prostate cancer in the area to get in touch.”

One group member from Teesside said: “Through Can Ability I have gained friendship, knowledge, confidence and a good level of fitness.”

“For the first time since diagnosis I had the opportunity to talk openly and honestly about my cancer, my treatment and the side effects.”

“It was such a relief to find out that other guys had experienced similar ordeals to me and I wasn’t alone.”

Can Ability will launch in Worksop in January next year and it is also being introduced in other towns and areas across the North East including Leeds, York, the Dales and Newcastle.

For more information on the programme contact Leti Hawthorn on 01609 883668 or email [email protected]