Repro Free:
GAA legend Billy Morgan, Sean Sheehy of Astellas Pharma Co. Ltd. and consultant urologist Mr Paul Sweeney pictured at the launch of ww.unitedagainstprostatecancer.com in the Mercy Hospital, Cork.
Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney / Provision
CORK STAR SUPPORTS PROSTATE CANCER INFORMATION SITE
Billy Morgan, Cork GAA Star and Mr Paul Sweeney, consultant urologist from The Mercy Hospital in Cork have launch www.unitedagainstprostatecancer.com A website which provides post diagnosis information for prostate cancer patients, their families and friends.
Astellas Pharma Co.Ltd have developed the website in response to a European survey entitled ÒSilent VoicesÓ. The survey took part in France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany and Ireland and researched 50 prostate cancer patients in each country.
It was undertaken in Ireland with the support of St. James Hospital Oncology Dept, Mercy University Hospital Oncology Dept and MAC (Men Against Cancer).
ÒThe website is an excellent aid for patients who can be overwhelmed when they are first diagnosed. It will help patients and their family members review the condition, treatments and expected lifestyle changes they may incur. It will be useful for patients to be able to digest the information given and help them prepare further questions for their subsequent consultationsÓ said Mr Paul Sweeney, consultant urologist Mercy University Hospital.
ÒThere is a need for the right kind of information to be given to patients and their families about the disease. Generally, once diagnosed, you enter a whirlwind of mindboggling decisions and choices which naturally one allows the medical practitioner to lead them in. The website will allow further vital access to patients on their condition and family members who are often forgotten along the wayÓ said Jim Scott, a prostate cancer survivor and Chairperson of MAC (Men Against Cancer).
Please contact Pivotal Communications 01 6697684 for further information
Key survey findings
* 98% of patients with prostate cancer in Ireland are provided with information at the point of diagnoses
* 72% of patients who felt impact on their lifestyle was the most important factor did not speak to their oncologist or medical practitioner about it
* 73% of patients in Ireland undergoing surgery
* The decision is primarily specialist led but the survey shows an overwhelming 97% of Irish patients would prefer this choice be made together
* 67% of patients relied on their specialist for information regarding treatment decisions while 20% relied on their GP or care physician
* 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
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