Open evening provides prostate cancer support and advice

Time:        7pm

Date:        Wednesday, 24^th March

Venue:      New Education Centre, West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds

Clinicians from the Urology Department at West Suffolk Hospital are holding an Open Evening on Wednesday, 24^th March to provide information and support on aspects of prostate cancer.

The event is being held to mark Prostate Awareness Week, which runs from 22^nd-26^th March. Prostate cancer is a common condition. A high number of men who are 70 years or older will have prostate cancer. However, most of them will live out their whole lives without this ever being discovered or affecting them.

At the Open Evening, Consultant Urologist John McLoughlin will explain how people can eat their way to a healthier prostate. He will talk about the relationship between diet and prostate cancer, and offer practical suggestions on healthy everday meals.

“The aim of the Open Evening is to increase awareness of prostate cancer and inform people of what to look out for,” said Mr McLoughlin. “Most men know little about this common disease, despite the fact that there were 24,700 new cases last year. For example, were you aware that there is evidence that it runs in families, and you have a higher chance of developing it if you have a father or brother with prostate cancer?”

Patients with prostate cancer and their partners will also be present at the Open Evening to provide practical advice and support about the reality of everyday life with the disease.

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. It is more common in some ethnic groups than others, with Afro-Caribbeans at particular risk.

The good news is that prostate cancer is less frequently fatal than many other cancers, such as lung cancer. A range of effective treatments are available, including surgery, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. A low-fat diet rich in vegetables such as tomatoes and broccoli may help to protect against the disease.

To find out more about the Open Evening, please call 01284 712806.

March 9, 2004