LONDON, March 19/PRNewswire/ -- Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, 21-27 March 2005, is about more than just highlighting public messages on the most common male cancer in the UK. Healthcare professionals require continuing information on new developments to fight the escalating magnitude of the condition. Prostate Research Campaign UK, the only UK charity that makes grants into research across all forms of prostate disease has just awarded nearly GBP400,000; taking its total in the last five years to GBP1.6million. In the past, Prostate Research Campaign UK has focussed on donations to medical researchers. The 2005 donation includes funding for the education of healthcare professionals.

"In addition to supporting further research into the causes of, and new treatments for, prostate disease, this year we have taken an active decision to develop independent projects, such as best-practice workshops, particularly for healthcare professionals working in the primary care sector", said Professor Roger Kirby, Chairman of the charity.

"The family doctor or nurse is often going to be the first point of contact for any man worried about the signs of prostate disease and with the new and evolving NHS it is increasingly difficult for healthcare professionals in the primary care sector to keep up with developments in this area. New pay-related targets for GPs do not set prostate disease high enough on the agenda and therefore continuing medical education on this subject may not be given the priority we feel it deserves", comments Prostate Research Campaign UK, Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Anderson.

Prostate Research Campaign UK is committed to increasing its target for research grants and the extent to which it becomes a recognised information source on all forms of prostate disease for both medical professionals and the public.

The charity produces a wide range of free publications on all aspects of prostate health and this includes a video/DVD: Treatment Options in Early Prostate Cancer - a short film for men who may just have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is also intended for those family members or friends who may become involved in the decision-making process concerning treatment.

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