Prostate cancer awareness survey to proud postcards

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the production and analysis of an informal prostate cancer awareness survey (n = 217), which was conducted in Manchester, UK, in August 2014 by the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Cancer Support Alliance. Data collected from the survey along with anecdotal evidence collected by the researchers was used to produce a series of four “Prostate Cancer Awareness” postcards targeted at gay and bisexual men and trans women, and which could be displayed in public spaces likely to be accessed by these groups. The aim was to raise awareness of key issues picked up by the survey amongst the local population and highlight particular issues which may encourage men or transsexual women to think about the risk of developing prostate cancer, and what their relationship with sexual partners, carers and health care professionals might be following diagnosis and treatment.

The postcards were titled: (1) We are struggling to have sex after treatment (2) Are gay men more likely to develop prostate cancer than straight men? (3) Tips for the guys…looking after your G-spot (4) My doctor always asks me about my wife.

KEYWORDS:

• Prostate
• cancer
• gay
• bisexual
• postcards
• awareness

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ben Heyworth

Ben Heyworth is the Living with and Beyond Network Manager based at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the LGBT Strategy Manager and chair of the LGBT Cancer Support Alliance. He also chairs the organising committee for the Changing Prospects for Cancer Conference and is a trustee on the board of Relate GMS. His principle interests are in cancer survivorship, health inequalities affecting the LGBT community, mental health and the arts.

Andrew Gilliver

Andrew Gilliver is the community involvement manager for LGBT Foundation based in Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. His main role involves connecting with LGBT members of the community around issues relating to health, wellbeing and social care. He also liaises with professional health and care organisations to ensure they are understanding of the specific needs of LGBT people. Andrew has been a key member of the LGBT Cancer Support Alliance since its inception.

Sean Ralph

Sean Ralph works as a therapeutic radiographer at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust on Merseyside, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. For the past year, he has also been on a clinical academic research internship with the National Institute for Health Research during which time he has undertaken a qualitative research study exploring the views and experiences of health professionals on discussing sexual orientation and sexuality with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients in an oncology setting. He has been involved in the work of the LGBT Cancer Support Alliance since its inception.

Paula Hewitt

Paula Hewitt is the senior officer for Change Delivery for Prostate Cancer UK, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Prior to that she commissioned services for men with prostate cancer, and as a part of that role she also worked closely with members of the LGBT Cancer Support Alliance representing Prostate Cancer UK. She is interested in “seldom heard” groups, particularly LGBT.

Peter Mackereth

Dr Peter Mackereth is the recently retired clinical lead for Complementary Health & Wellbeing Services at The Christie, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, managing therapists and health advisors. Their therapy team provide massage, reflexology, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and relaxation techniques – supporting patients whilst inpatients, during medical procedures and end of life. Peter has an extensive portfolio of research and run training programme/courses to disseminate best practice, and has been involved in the work of the LGBT Cancer Support Alliance since its inception.