Prostate Cancer Research and Information Security Forum are working together towards a world where no man is left behind

This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we’re delighted to announce that Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) and Information Security Forum (ISF) have joined forces to deliver a new 2-year partnership. This exciting collaboration will be focused on raising awareness of prostate cancer, empowering ISF members and networks to make informed choices about their health, and campaigning for men’s health in business.

Prostate cancer is now the second most common cause of cancer death among men in the UK, and there are around 63,000 new prostate cancer cases in the UK every year – that’s over 170 every day. Men diagnosed at a younger age, and those with a family history of prostate cancer, have higher mortality rates than older men. Early detection is key to ensuring men have the best chances of survival, though crucially, many men are unaware of their risk of prostate cancer.

Many men at risk of prostate cancer are still within working age, with several years, sometimes decades, ahead of them in their careers. For those lucky enough to work in organisations who provide employee healthcare, we hear time and time again of the shock and surprise of a prostate cancer diagnosis through workplace health screening. This shows that screening is vital, whether this is provided through a workplace health initiative, or the NHS. Workplaces play a vital role in helping employees manage their health.

Henry, patient representative living with prostate cancer says ‘‘Organisations should feel proud to have the aim of keeping their workforce as healthy as possible in the interest of the company as well as of individuals. Raising awareness of prostate cancer is “win-win”.

PCR and ISF together will raise awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. We will enhance members’ understanding and confidence in dealing with prostate cancer, enabling staff to turn insight into action.  We will create an industry movement that directly supports men to make informed and empowered choices about their health.

“Prostate cancer is a highly manageable form of cancer that responds well to treatment when caught early”, says Steve Durbin, Chief Executive of the ISF and recently, himself diagnosed with prostate cancer. “Awareness and regular screening are key to ensuring all men are provided with the right information to make the right personal health choices at the earliest possible stage of diagnosis.”

Steve Durbin, Chief Executive of the ISF

Finally, we will unite to advocate for men’s health in business, amplifying the voices of those affected by prostate cancer, their colleagues, friends and family.

As part of the partnership, ISF are providing vital support for the optimisation of early diagnosis and prostate cancer pathways within private and public healthcare.

‘‘Together, ISF and PCR can lead on men’s health across some of the most male orientated industries in the world’’, says Oliver Kemp, CEO of Prostate Cancer Research. ‘‘We will showcase what’s possible when industry meets empathy, and when a sector leader and an agile charity come together not just to raise awareness, but to save lives.”