Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA) and Medefer have made strides in men’s health with their Targeted Prostate Health Check (TPHC) programme (report: https://medefer.com/early-detection-of-prostate-cancer/) identifying 18,000 men who missed prostate cancer testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This effort aligns with Movember 2024, the global campaign urging men to take charge of their health through early action.
Key results from the programme:
• 22,000 men engaged: Over 22,000 men completed a health questionnaire, leading to PSA and urine tests for 18,079 participants
• 263 lives impacted: Early detection diagnosed 263 men with prostate cancer, enabling timely treatment
• Awareness up: Prostate cancer awareness jumped to 83% among participants, compared to the global average of 74%
• Outstanding feedback: 95% of men rated their experience as “Good” or “Excellent”
Movember’s focus on raising awareness and funding for men’s health issues is echoed in this programme, which prioritised early testing and proactive outreach.
“This programme shows the power of engaging men to prioritise their health,” says Alex Norman, SSCA medical director.
With prostate cancer responsible for 52,000 new cases annually in the UK, Movember 2024 reinforces this critical message: Early action saves lives. Participants expressed relief over early detection, with one saying: “I was told that it was caught early and was treatable. So, hearing that news, there was some comfort that it could be treated.” Another said: “I feel more knowledgeable, reassured and understanding of prostate cancer and, having spoken to the nurse for things to look out for.”
