Irish doctors are leading the way in providing prostate cancer sufferers information and support when diagnosed, new research reveals.
An EU-wide survey found 98 per cent of patients were given details on their condition as well as treatment options when told about their illness.
Although the vast majority relied on specialist information only, the bulk of those who turned to books and the internet for more help did not find what they wanted.
Jim Scott, a prostate cancer survivor and Chairperson of MAC (Men Against Cancer), said it was essential for sufferers and families to get further information on the disease after diagnosis.
“There is a need for the right kind of information to be given to patients and their families about the disease,” Mr Scott said.
“Generally, once diagnosed, you enter a whirlwind of mindboggling decisions and choices which naturally one allows the medical practitioner to lead them in.” An overwhelming 72 per cent of patients felt the impact on their lifestyle was the most important factor when diagnosed, but 56 per cent of those did not speak to their specialist about it at the time of diagnosis.
The Silent Voices survey found treatment cost was the most important factor to patients and one which they felt their medical practitioner needs to take into consideration when making treatment decisions.
A new website - www.unitedagainstprostatecancer.com - has been launched to provide a post diagnosis information to patients.
The study was carried out in France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany and Ireland and researched 50 prostate cancer patients in each country.
Researchers at UCC recently annonced they had successfully developed DNA vaccines that can target prostate cancer.
Researchers at the Cork Cancer Research Centre at UCC have been working on DNA vaccines to activate the immune system against the cancer, and their successful work in the laboratory will now proceed to human clinical trials.
PA