Stephen Fry urges prostate cancer patients to take part in research project

Stephen Fry is encouraging prostate cancer patients to join a new research project launched by Prostate Cancer Research in partnership with NHS England.

The project, called Prostate Progress, is close to the renowned broadcaster and actor’s heart after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. The diagnosis led to him undergoing radiotherapy and having his prostate removed.

Fry, 66, said in a statement: "Prostate Progress represents a beacon of hope in the fight against prostate cancer, a disease that impacts countless lives globally.

"By harnessing the power of our own health information, we empower researchers to unlock vital insights, leading to groundbreaking advancements.

"I am excited to be part of Prostate Progress and urge others to join me."

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among UK men, with an estimated 55,100 new cases reported each year. About one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to Prostate Cancer UK.

Through Prostate Progress, the NHS and Prostate Cancer Research aim to provide access to healthcare data for research that could help improve patient care and treatment.

According to the NHS, the research project "combines clinical data with patients’ real-life experiences to revolutionise prostate cancer care and treatment".

Prostate Progress is a key part of NHS England’s Data for Research and Development programme, whose ambition is "to transform the country’s approach to health data research to deliver maximum value to support NHS services to create health and wealth".

Patients over the age of 18 who live in the UK and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in the past will be invited to join the research project.

Those who choose to join will be asked to read and sign a consent form to give Prostate Progress permission to access health-related records, tissues, samples, and other digital and physical health-related information about them. The project pledges to protect patients’ data by removing identifying information and deploying robust data security standards and strict legal contracts.

Participants will also be asked to fill in an initial questionnaire about themselves and their cancer diagnosis and treatment. They will then be asked to fill in a questionnaire about their health several times a year. If you choose to participate, you can also withdraw or reduce your involvement in the project at any time.

The research will be carried out by scientists in the UK and around the world. Prostate Progress plans to run for "a very long time" in order to collect as much information about how prostate cancer changes as patients get older.

Dr Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, said: "The NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network allows us to link data and enable research at a scale not previously possible, while maintaining the highest level of security.

"Researchers will benefit from the rich picture from both NHS clinical data as well as information from patients who volunteer to take part and share their experiences."

You can learn more about Prostate Progress and sign up at www.prostateprogress.org.

Watch: Stephen Fry encourages prostate cancer patients to sign up for major research project

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