Men diagnosed with prostate cancer urged to join support group
Edinburgh and Lothian prostate cancer support group are set to return to in-person meetings next week
Last updated 31st Mar 2022
Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer in Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to join a local support group.
Edinburgh and Lothian prostate cancer support group is set to hold it's first in-person meeting since before the pandemic next Thursday (April 7th).
The gatherings allow members to meet up for tea and coffee and listen to guest speakers.
They also host walking groups, as keeping on top of you physical fitness is important when battling the disease.
But they also offer a "buddy programme" which allows newly diagnosed patients to be paired with someone who has already undergone treatment for their cancer.
This allows them to share their experiences on the different types of treatment that can be used for the cancer.
Usually meetings would be held at the Maggie's centre at Edinburgh Western General.
However, due to the ongoing impact of Covid the meeting on the 7th will take place at the Grange Cricket Club.
Chairman Iain Annand told Radio Forth:
"It can be quite a daunting thing to do, to work out what's to happen.
"You can speak to a medical professional but it's still your choice at the end of the day.
"We can put people who have been newly diagnosed in touch with men who have gone through the process themselves."
Iain himself was diagnosed in 2016, and opted to have his prostate removed via robotic surgery.
This allows Iain to speak to others who have been diagnosed about this route, and to give them advice on if it's right for them.
"I can tell people about my experience with robotic surgery.
"We have men who can tell people about their experience with radio-therapy."
On the walking group Iain told us:
"The whole emphasis when you've got prostate cancer is keeping fit and healthy.
"So we've got a walking group that meets every couple of months.
"That's a very well attended group.
"We have a branch in West Lothian as well, and they meet in Livingston."
You can find out more about the group here.