We set up The National Prostate Cancer Partner Support Group for all partners of those living with prostate cancer. The group meets regularly via zoom and offers space for partners to give and receive support at any stage of their journey. There is opportunity for group support and individual support, all partners are welcome and can attend on an ad hoc basis.
Group Leaders
Janet Daykin
I have been involved with many aspects of prostate cancer awareness and support for many years, having lost my husband to prostate cancer in 2010. At that time there were few of the treatments we are now familiar with which often give much more positive outcomes. Something I have never forgotten are the feelings that a prostate cancer diagnosis brings. This is what made me want to get involved in helping run this group to provide information and a space for partners to meet.
Caroline Prance
My partner was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2018 following a routine well man check, he subsequently had surgery and more recently hormone therapy and radiotherapy due to recurrence of the cancer.
My father, uncle and maternal grandfather all died of prostate cancer.
I am a retired nurse and have always been very passionate about user/carer involvement. Finding myself on the other side of the fence when my partner was diagnosed was an enlightening experience.
I was surprised by the lack of support available for partners of men with prostate cancer, which is often referred to as ‘a couple’s condition’ and can be a very lonely time. The lived experience is very different to how many perceive it to be. Well meaning friends and family may tell you, for example, how they know of someone with prostate cancer and how they are ‘absolutely fine now’ or ‘prostate cancer is the best cancer to get’. Time and again partners describe relief at being able to share with others who have the lived experience, knowing they aren’t alone or being selfish because they might feel as they do.
As a result of the perceived gap, I set up a face to face Partner Support group in Oxfordshire where I live, with the support of the main group and partners that I met. I also started volunteering for PCUK;s national phone line. During lockdown I was encouraged to set up the National partner support group via zoom where I was fortunate to meet Janet, during a zoom meeting for support group leads, and consider with our combined experiences, we have complementary skills which enable us to co run the NPCPSG group.
It feels like an enormous privilege to be part of something that has grown and developed as the NPCPSG group has, and to have met and listened to so many inspirational partners who have been brave enough to get in touch and share their stories along the way.
It is a truism that you do not have to face things alone, but also that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
National Prostate Cancer Partners Support Group 