Prostate Cancer UK, Movember and Relationships Scotland team up to provide free counselling service

Prostate Cancer UK and The Movember Foundation have joined forces with Relationships Scotland to offer free counselling services to anyone affected by the emotional impact of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is predicted to become the most common cancer of all by 2030. Although the disease can often be treated successfully if diagnosed early, treatments can result in temporary or permanent side effects ranging from incontinence, diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, fatigue and anxiety. The new services have been developed in a bid to help men and their families through the emotional impact that can follow a prostate cancer diagnosis.

The move has been made possible thanks to support from Prostate Cancer UK and The Movember Foundation.

Services are to be delivered from Relationships Scotland’s 15 centres covering the whole of Scotland. A dedicated counsellor will be assigned to each individual or family to suit their specific needs. Men or their families can get in touch with Relationships Scotland directly to book an initial appointment.

Craig Millar, Prostate Cancer UK Community Support Service Manager for Scotland, said: “The impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis and the potential side effects of treatment can create all sorts of physical and emotional problems for men, including some that strike at the very heart of what they regard as central to their sense of being a man. Sadly, despite prostate cancer being the most common male cancer, all too many men tell us that they receive little or no support to help them through their often traumatic experiences.

“This is unacceptable which is why – with support from our partners at The Movember Foundation – Prostate Cancer UK is teaming up with Relationships Scotland to deliver a greater level of support for men and their loved ones who are struggling to come to terms with the impact of the disease on their lives. We can and will beat prostate cancer but, until then, we are determined to ensure people affected by this terrible disease get the support they need to get through their most difficult of times.”

Anne Chilton, Head of Professional Practice (Counselling) at Relationships Scotland said:

"Prostate cancer and its treatment can have a massive impact on a relationship. Our counsellors are trained to the highest standards, bringing the knowledge and skills needed to provide specialist support when it is needed most. We can support men to think about how they talk to their children, their partner, family and friends about their diagnosis. We can help people work through the challenges in resuming 'service as normal’ when cancer treatment is finished. We know that surgery, treatment, tiredness and anxiety can have a massive impact on a couple's sex life - our counsellors are there to help men and their partner talk through it."

To book an appointment in any of the local centres please contact Relationships Scotland on 0845 119 2020 (Monday to Friday 9 – 5pm) or email enquires@relationships-scotland.org.uk

Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or via the online Live chat, instant messaging service: www.prostatecanceruk.org. The Specialist Nurse phone service is free to landlines and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.

ENDS