Prostate Cancer Awareness Month highlights importance of support for men across the region

Men across the Liverpool City Region who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are being urged to seek support through local groups.

The call comes during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and highlights how vital emotional and practical support can be for men at every stage of their prostate cancer journey.

One local organisation, Liverpool Prostate Cancer Support Group, brings men together to share experiences, ask questions and talk openly about life during and after treatment. Many members say the group offers something they simply could not find elsewhere: understanding from people who genuinely know what it feels like to go through prostate cancer.

Some men struggle silently with the physical and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. The possible consequences such as fatigue, changes in sexual function, and other after effects, such as anxiety, can be difficult to talk about, even with close family.

Support groups offer a safe environment where men can open up, ask questions they may have about the effects of treatment, or simply have someone to talk to when they need it most.

They also help combat loneliness, which is common among those dealing with long-term health conditions. Men who attend groups like the one in Liverpool often say that hearing others’ stories helps them feel less alone and be more prepared for what lies ahead.

One of the organisers of the Childwall branch of Liverpool Prostate Cancer Support Group is Phil Parsons, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2023. His own diagnosis came unexpectedly as he had no symptoms, but he went to his GP after feeling constantly tired, which he put down to having a busy job. After tests, he was referred, diagnosed and had surgery, which was successful.

Phil, who is also a patient representative at Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, said prostate cancer affects men from all walks of life, but their shared experiences can be very supportive. He says the key issues men want to talk about in the group are sexual or incontinence problems, which can occur after surgical treatment, but some just want friendship at a challenging time.

He said: “Some men can become depressed about the after effects of surgery, but we are there to talk it through with them or suggest things that may help. There are lots of different things that people can try. Just hearing stories from other men can be helpful.

“It is about men not being isolated – meeting others who know what they are going through. We have meetings where we discuss certain topics and have times when we just meet up in a pub for a chat or go for an organised walk where people can talk about things they don’t want to share with family or friends.”

The group sometimes invites nurses to talk to them about issues, and they also raise funds for medical equipment.

Phil said:

“I’d encourage anybody who has had a diagnosis to come along and meet us. There is a mixed bag of people involved, but we’ve all been there – and we can help.”

The Liverpool Prostate Cancer Support Group welcomes men at any stage of the disease – newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or living with it or after treatment. 

Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Jane Hutton, Chair of CMCA’s Psychology Clinical Quality Group, said:

“Prostate cancer brings with it many challenges, including living with uncertainty and feeling different emotionally, as well as physically.

“For some men, seeking guidance from a psychologist can make all the difference. For others, joining a support group, and meeting other men in similar situations, can help them know that they are not alone, and that men just like them have found ways of living with these challenges.”

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre also has a support group for men with prostate cancer and one for young metastatic patients.

Clatterbridge prostate cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Helen Blackmore said:

“Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can have a significant impact on quality of life as can the different treatments. There are several support groups throughout our region that patients can access for peer support. Support groups offer a vital space for people to share their own experience and learn from others.”

Anyone interested in speaking with Liverpool Prostate Cancer Support Group can find them on Facebook or inquire with local cancer support services for contact details.

Use the Cancer Care Map website to find a local prostate cancer support group here.

Find the latest Liverpool news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.