Europa Uomo held its first Summer School for prostate cancer patient advocates in Brussels

Twenty-nine men from member organisations across Europe took part in Europa Uomo’s first Summer School, gaining skills and knowledge to help them become effective expert patient advocates.

The aim of the event, held over a week in Brussels, Belgium, was to inform patients about the medical aspects of prostate cancer and advocacy-related subjects such as shared decision-making.

“It was a huge success,” said Erik Briers, Europa Uomo Vice Chairman and Summer School organiser. “If men with prostate cancer are to be successful in campaigning and providing peer-to-peer support, then they need a thorough understanding of the disease and its treatments. I think we’ve provided that, and the feedback from participants has been very positive.”

Talks and workshops were provided by a high-powered panel of 25 clinicians, academics and advocates. Among them were: urologist Daniel Eberli from Switzerland who spoke about focal treatments; Tania Estapé, Europa Uomo Board member, who covered psycho oncology; and Eamonn Rogers, Chair of the European Association of Urology's Patient Office.

Also speaking was urologist and andrologist Sam Ward from the Kliniek St Jan in Brussels, who spoke about sexual dysfunction related to prostate cancer. After the Summer School, he said:

“The Europa Uomo Summer School is a fantastic initiative that empowers patients with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for themselves and others,” he said. “It was truly inspiring to see so much dedication and enthusiasm from the participants, all eager to make a difference in the world of urology.”