Europa Uomo member organisations spread the word about early detection

Europa Uomo member organisations have generated significant awareness of prostate cancer through activities in November, traditionally the time for men’s health campaigns in many countries.

The Croatian Society of Prostate Cancer Patients (HDBRP) prompted a wave of coverage about the importance of prostate cancer early diagnosis, engaging 83 media outlets in all, 41 of them national television, radio and publications. Much of the coverage was centred around a public health action in Ban Josip Jelačić Square in Zagreb, where HDBRP Chairman Velimir Korak and other men with experience of prostate cancer were interviewed (pictured).

“We have been explaining the importance of PSA testing and passing on the message ‘Prostate cancer does not wait for symptoms, why should you?’” said Velimir Korak. The society also publicised the findings of its survey, which found that 93% of citizens had never heard of the PSA test.

Also gaining wide publicity was the message from the Dutch Prostate Cancer Foundation (Prostaatkankerstichting): “Talk (not too late) about your prostate”. Through a true/false quiz, videos (see below), social media and online publicity the foundation has been pointing out that 40% of men who get prostate cancer are under the age of 70, so it is important to start conversations about PSA testing early.

In Iceland, the Association of Men with Prostate Cancer (Krabbameinsfélagið Framför) has published an eight-page supplement in a daily newspaper distributed free to every home in Iceland. It includes a wide range of articles about prostate cancer and publicises the Europa Uomo online assistant. “Besides that we will be in newspapers, on TV and online,” said Stefán Stefánsson from the association. “In fact, we will throw ourselves in front of every camera we see!”

Other November/Movember activities from Europa Uomo member organisations include:

• The Estonian Prostate Cancer Patients Association will be holding a seminar on prostate cancer, covering new treatment options, improving men’s quality of life and how the association can develop.
• ANAMACaP, the French prostate cancer organisation, has organised a range of awareness-raising activities with French companies.
• Europa Uomo Switzerland with PROSCA and other cancer support organisations is organising a national prostate cancer early detection day at the University of Zurich on 29th November.