A group run by patients in partnership with specialist nurses to support prostate cancer sufferers has celebrated its 10th anniversary this week.

The Cornwall Prostate Support Association (CPSA) was set up after RCHT urological cancer nurse specialist Debbie Victor brought together a group of patients and volunteers were quick to put themselves forward to set up a committee to take on its running as it became established.

The group’s first chairman was patient Jack Osborn who recalls the isolation he felt when he was diagnosed with the disease.

“I had been diagnosed with prostate cancer four years before and subsequently treated with radiotherapy. It seems unbelievable now but, at that time, there was virtually no written information available for patients. We had to make the life changing decision about treatment choice based on one short verbal consultation,” said Jack.

There are around 420 new diagnoses of prostate cancer each year in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and is the most common cancer in men in the UK.

Most cases are found in those aged over 50 but it can occur in younger men too. Depending on the stage of the disease when it is diagnosed, treatment can range from careful monitoring, to hormone therapy, surgery and radiotherapy. Some prostate cancers are curable and others can be managed and lived with many years.

Sadly in cases where it is not diagnosed until a later stage and it has spread to other parts of the body, prostate cancer can be incurable.

CPSA member Alistair Lean was first diagnosed with prostate cancer eight years ago.

“I was contacted by Tom Jones, who was a committee member of Cornwall Prostate Support Association. He came to my home and gave me information about the group and valuable facts about prostate cancer. I joined the group, along with my wife and we have found the group to be of great help to us, making many friends who are in the same position.”

The group meets on the third month of every month at 7pm at the Victoria Inn, Threemilestone and offers support and information with members being able to share their experiences between one and other.

They also have regular speakers on different topics, many related to prostate cancer but others are more light-hearted but equally interesting. That extends to families too, as it is often the partners and carers who share in the strain that a cancer diagnosis can bring.

Specialist nurse Debbie Victor said: “I can’t believe we’re marking the 10th anniversary of the CPSA and never imaged it would be as successful as it has been. The group is very much led by the committee and members.

"Their willingness to share their experiences and to be very open an honest about living with prostate cancer is so valuable to those in similar circumstances, be they newly diagnosed or having been living with the disease for a number of years.

"Their support has become an integral part of the care and treatment we provide from the hospital. The members of CPSA also play a key part in raising awareness of prostate cancer, handing out information and talking to members of the public and small groups about signs, symptoms and risk factors.”

The CPSA is always open to those who would like to join as members or to have others to talk to who can relate personally to their experience of having prostate cancer. They can be contacted via Debbie Victor or her colleague Wendy Meyers on 01872 253143.