Over 30,000 men in Britain are living with terminal prostate cancer, a charity has warned, but concerns have been raised that patients are not being offered enough support.
Macmillan Cancer Support said the figure is a third greater than the number of people suffering with advanced and incurable bowel and breast cancers.
But despite the high figures, experts are raising concerns that patients are not being offered the level of support that they need.
Jane Maher, joint chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It is welcome news that survival rates are improving, but as people with advanced prostate cancer are living longer with their illness, their needs now resemble those of people with other long-term conditions.
“The majority of their treatment might be over, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need the support of the healthcare system.”
Research suggests that a man with advanced prostate cancer will live for an average of four years after they are diagnosed.
Speaking to MailOnline, Owen Sharp, of Prostate Cancer UK, said: “The UK must keep investing in research to detect aggressive prostate cancer earlier, improve treatments, and cut side-effects.
“As people survive longer, they need quality support and quick access to new drugs and care.
“Whoever leads the next government must put prostate cancer high on the agenda if better survival is to be matched by quality of life.”
If you or your loved one has suffered as a result of medical negligence and you’d like to discuss your legal options, we can help you. Give our experienced team a call on 0800 999 1875 or contact us online here. You can also visit our dedicated website – www.medicalnegligence-solicitors.com – for more information.