Maggie's Highlands joins with Prostate Scotland to offer support for men
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Maggie’s Highlands is working on a new joint initiative with Prostate Scotland to offer free one-to-one support for men in the Highlands and Islands who are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The partnership means that Prostate Scotland will now direct men in the Highlands and Islands who contact their service straight to Maggie’s for specialist support.
The initiative has been developed on the back of research carried out by Prostate Scotland, which highlighted several areas where men felt they would benefit from more specialist support than was currently offered.
Seonaid Green, centre head for Maggie’s Highlands said: “I’m delighted that we are working in this new partnership with Prostate Scotland. Prostate Scotland chose Highlands and Islands for the project in particular, because men in rural settings are often diagnosed at a later stage of disease than men in urban settings.
“This leads to poorer outcomes from treatment and more ongoing quality of life issues as the cancer may have progressed further by the time treatment is started. It may also mean they may have different treatment options available, along with more physical complications when they first hear that they have prostate cancer.
“We have seen an increase the in numbers of men diagnosed in Highlands and Islands and this is predicted to rise a further 35 per cent over the next couple of years. This is what makes our work in the Highlands and Islands area so important.
“Hopefully, our new partnership with Prostate Scotland will lead to an increased level of awareness and in turn, more men in the area will reach out earlier for help.”
Stephen Bird, who lives in Sutherland, said: “As someone who has had prostate cancer, I know the value that information and support about topics such as treatment decisions and managing side effects can bring. I believe this new service is a very positive step and will be of real value to men with prostate cancer across the Highlands. My message is that if you have been diagnosed with or have prostate cancer, which can be an uncertain time for many, and have a question or need that wee bit of extra help or knowledge, don't hesitate to seek it out.”
Built in the grounds of Raigmore Hospital Maggie’s Highlands is a warm and welcoming place, with qualified professionals on hand to offer an evidence-based core programme of support that has been shown to improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
Maggie’s Highlands has been providing support for people living with, across Highlands for15 years. Maggie’s Highlands relies on voluntary donations to support and grow its network of centres and to develop its unique, high quality programme of support. The charity’s aim is to make the biggest difference possible to all those living with cancer.
To find out more about Maggie’s Highlands and to see how the centre supports people living with cancer across Highlands please visit the centre at Maggie’s Highlands, Raigmore Hospital or get in touch on 01463 706306.
