NOW CLOSED Talk to Prostate Action about male health issues and 'Pants in the Park' to win a £100 John Lewis voucher!

[KatieBMumsnet]

Prostate Action have asked Mumsnet to find out your overall level of awareness of male health issues (such as prostate disease) that could affect your DH/DP/DS. Are you/the men in your household aware of such issues? Would you/they even know what signs of prostate disease are?

Prostate Action is holding an event in Battersea Park, London, on the 22nd September called Pants in the Park. Please take a look at the website and let us know what you think: www.pantsinthepark.org

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?

Everyone who adds their comments to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £100 John Lewis voucher!

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw.

MNHQ

My thoughts for what they are worth

• If I lived closer and my DH lived in this country we may consider going.
• I doubt we would participate as a whole family. I am totally unfit. DH and DD would possibly run.
• We did the Terry Fox run overseas. It doesn't seem as common in England.
• No one I know has had prostate disease. I have nursed lots of men with it though and am very aware of it. DH is encouraged to consult the doctor. A lot
• The one thing that would make this event more attractive would be if it were closer to me.

Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
The website is nicely designed and were I likely to be in London anyway, then it might encourage me to go, but I would be unlikely to make the trip up (1hr) purely for the event.

Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
As part of a family day out, I think this would be something we'd definitely enjoy participating in (though I'm not sure how much fun it would be with a 3-year old in tow, especially one who mostly likes to be carried ). If there were lots of other things to entertain children as well (ice cream, face-painting etc), then we'd be more likely to take part.

Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
I've taken part in the Race for Life, though with the family watching rather than joining in.

How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
With a father and FIL in their 60s, very relevant.

Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
As above, additional entertainment for children. Treasure hunts, games, that kind of thing. Something that makes it a whole day out, rather than just a walk in the park. More importantly, local venues. If there were multiple, smaller, locally organised events, I'd be far more likely to attend.

DH is turning 40 and his father asked me only yesterday to encourage him to get his prostate checked. FIL had to have his removed so it's something we take very seriously.

The website is fine but to be completely honest the wackiness of it puts me right off. If you took away the pants/knickers element it would appeal much more, but that's just me, I am the sort of person who takes an instant dislike to anyone describing themselves as bubbly.

I like the idea of a family fun run (did loads as a child) although DD2 is too little. Face painting is always good but would there be big queues?

Would this website encourage you to attend the event?

Yes it would, however Battersea Park is just too far away from me so not practical.

Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?

Yes definitely. And as my children get older, it is something I plan to do with them.

Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before?

Yes, I have taken part in fun walks/runs for the local hospice and also for Macmillan.

How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?

Sadly it's ncredibly relevant. DH was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer 2 years ago, when he was 51. He died within the year. When he was diagnosed, his PSA was over 1900. The only reason he was diagnosed when he was is because he couldn't stand the pain he was in any more and was fed up with being fobbed off by his GP, so he went to A&E. He was black and over 50 and I don't think the (rural) GP had any clue about the raised risk of prostate cancer in Afro Caribbean men.

I could write pages and pages on this, but shan't bore you all with any more. Suffice to say that I will do anything I can to prevent other families going through the pain of losing a very special man so relatively young.

Also, a couple of years before he died, my father had a long series of prostate problems and had to have a couple of operations.

Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?

Have more events nationally so more people can join in.

I will share a link on my FB so London friends are aware and hopefully join and

While I am here and might have your ear Prostate Action , can I ask if there are any plans to campaign for screening for prostate cancer for men? Much like women have routine smear tests or breast screening, surely it would be a good thing for men to be screened for prostate cancer? It seems such a simple thing and I don't know why it isn't offered to men who are over 50 now. Oh, and another thing, are there any plans to better educate primary health professionals in the raised risk of prostate cancer in Afro Caribbean men? The rural GPs I have spoken to appear to be pretty clueless about this fact and better education would surely help? Thank you

as puzzlerocks said the whole 'pants' theme puts me off a bit, i am quite prudish tbh, so i just feel uncomfy with all the kind of thing! so i dont think we would go

i dont know how aware or not my dh is of prostate cancer or related diseases ive never asked him about it. reading the other comments it seems like it applies more for older or middle aged men? so maybe not as relevant for our family at this age cos dh is under 30

I live too many miles away to attend but might have done if it were closer, due to prostate cancer being an ongoing issue in my family (dad has it; seemed to be clear after removal of prostate but PSA has recently gone up again). Maybe if the event takes off in future years there could be simultaneous events nationwide, like some other (cancer) charities do? (Am thinking of the Moonwalk, Race for Life etc.)

Personally I agree with the poster upthread who's not so keen on the pants thing but I do 'get it' and think it's a great way to get kids interested :)

I think health screening in the UK is generally a bit ad hoc - can only speak from personal experience but my dad has felt 'not right' for a long time and had to really push to get the thorough and incisive tests that were needed (and subsequently a diagnosis). It's even worse if some of those results are deemed 'inconclusive'.

The long waiting time between initial appointments, tests, referrals etc can also be obstructive, I imagine even more so to those men who tend to push their health issues to one side. For example my father's latest blood test shows his PSA is up, but he will have to wait four months for his next routine appointment and even longer for any course of treatment to be decided and to begin. Though I expect these are NHS-wide issues.

Surely the fact that just a simple blood test can catch prostate problems at an early stage makes it the type of thing for which a GP invitation to come for a test when you hit 50 would be appropriate?

I think the website is great and if I lived in London or the surrounding areas I would interested in taking part. It's a really important topic and it's difficult to tackle and raise awareness of it so this is a great way. I also like that it is aimed at the whole family including Dad which is nice and I really like events where we can all get involved and it would be very doable with a Pushchair!
We have never taken part in an event like this before but that's partly because until recently we were living in the states so we didn't really get the opportunity to. As a family event I think it's it attractive, I would prefer it to be closer as this would make it easier to get involved in. With two small children 2 and under traveling to London then completing the 5k would be a lot for us compared to it being on our doorstep.
For me learning more about prostate cancer and being well informed is very important as it is one of the most prevelant forms. I think this is a great idea and targeting a family rather than dad individually makes it less embarrassing for dad to take part.

I might be interested, it's close to us, and we've been thinking about doing some running as a family, so this might be a good opportunity to do that.

I do hate sponsorship though - the whole "I'm going to run so you should give money to a charity of my choice thing". If we do it I'll probably just shell out the money myself rather than hassle my workmates.

Yes this is a cause that has affected me, both my grandfathers died of/with prostate cancer, but in the case of one of them it was a blessed release after many years of total incapacity.

To those who've asked about screening, as I understand it, this is a deliberate choice not to screen because it is easy to get false positives, and many cases of prostate cancer will progress so slowly that the patient will not be affected within their lifetime (classically more patients die "with prostate cancer" than "of prostate cancer"). If you screened universally then some men's lives would be saved, but at the cost of many others having distress, anxiety, surgery and side effects treating a disease that would never have harmed them. That said, testing can always be improved (with the help of research funded by charities like these) and the risk reward ratio can change. And there's no excuse for the poor practice that killed the PP's husband.

I don't think the men of my family would wear their pants on the outside for love nor money. They might be encouraged to wear a t.shirt with a picture of pants, on a good day.

Every male of my acquaintance is very aware of prostate cancer as I spend a huge amount of my life talking about it

Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?

Maybe it it was local but I wouldn't go all the way to London for it.

Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?

No, we've never been into running or sponsored walks.

Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?

None, though we do try and sponsor generously when asked by friends.

How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?

Anything that can keep us healthy and have more years together as a family is a good thing. I do try and encourage OH to check himself and get checked up.

Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?

Maybe emphasising the "fun day" element of it, rather than the running/walking. I'd rather take the family to an event where there were stalls and other things to do, not just cheer on others who are running.

- Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not? I really like the website, it makes the event look fun. I like the pants theme - it makes the event unique.

- Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not? My DH wouldn't take part with me as he's not into fitness at all but he'd definitely come to support me & I'm sure my sister would want to run with me as we've done fun runs together in the past. I have a baby now & would also consider running/walking with him in his pushchair. The only drawback is that its in London which is too far away for me.

- Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones? Yes I've done the Race for Life a couple of times and the Big Fun Run once.

- How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you? I have a friend who lost her father to Prostate Cancer & another family friend who have to have his operated on so quite relevant. I'm currently nagging my Dad to get his checked as he goes to the toilet an excessive amount!

- Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family? If it was happening closer to home I'd definitely be interested in taking part.

• I'm not really into these gimmicky things.
• As above.
• Yes, about 25 years ago, and I can't even remember what the cause was!
• My DH is on medication for an enlarged prostate, so very relevant.
• Not for me, but I'm glad you're drawing attention to this disease.

Web site is clear, information on the event is concise and obvious.Does what it needs to
Yes, it wouldn't be something my DH would do naturally (or anything of the like) but due to current circumstances , it would very much attract whole family involvement for us. If it wasn't so relevant then maybe not, but would happily sponsor.
Yes -me and the children-race for life, sport relief.
My father has just recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer so very relevant and obviously awareness at an all time high for us, friends and family.
Location.Cannot attend London but if it was rolled out as a family event in more locations then would definitely take part.

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?

Yes, fun yet with a serious message

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?

Possibly

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?

No, but am continually sponsoring others who do

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?

Haven't personally been affected, but am aware that my Dad was called by the Dr to have a test when he turned 70 (seemed a little late to me)

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?

Extra venues rather than just London

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?

Well, its simple and clear &presents the info well. But the idea of pants is not appealing - for the kids, yes. For me, no.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?

Yes.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?

GOSH 5K in Battersea Park

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?

Not directly, buts somethin that is always on the potential horizon.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?

Definitely a medal at the end, even if a cheap plastic one - the kis like mementoes & so do I!
Mimimum sponsorship is a bit scary - never had to do that for a funrun before. Can see the point, but its offputting. I dont think a pair of golden pants is an incentive for anyone to raise £100 either.

Dilys, you make some interesting points above. I am not sure if you have a professional interest in this subject or not. I just speak as a lay person whose life has been impacted hugely by having my DH die of this disease. Whilst it is true that more people die "with prostate cancer" than "of prostate cancer", I think that specifically relates to older men, rather than men in their 40s or 50s, who develop the illness. Prostate cancer in younger men seems an awful lot more aggressive and I think (although have no hard facts on this) that the younger a man is, the more likely he is to die of it. Perhaps Prostate Action can clarify this?

If screening is deliberately not a blanket option because of false positive results that Dilys states above, perhaps screening should be routine in men who fall into higher risk groups, either through family history, ethnic background, or both.

Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?

Yes in that we're always looking for things to do as a family/have a nice day at wekend and make the most of it but would be worried that although it would be/is for raising awareness wouldnt want it too 'heavy' especially with a young child

Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?

Probably not, I'm terribly unfit and DS is only 18 months so would be down to DP

Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
No never before

How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?

Not really, have never known anyone diagnosed with it

Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?

Minimums sponsorship seems to put a lot of pressure on and might put some people off equally the idea of golden pants is a bit naff tbh

Also I know it is primarily about the race/raising money for research and the website does say there will be other activities but I think to get money out of everyone who wouldnt race but would attend a charity day (like me) where the race is a part of it but not the be all and end all is to make it into a 'festival' type thing - charge for food/activities etc and then nobody would be put off by not wanting to run but still wanting to show support iyswim?

-Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
Yes, I think so. It's bright and cheerful and quite engaging so yes, I'd feel inspired to go based on first impressions!

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?

Definitely, yes.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?

Yes- A Mile in Memory, and Big Toddle for Barnados

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?

I feel that it is relevant to anybody with a man in their life, be them a husand, partner, son, brother, uncle, etc etc

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?

An idea of the kind of activities going on for younger children. It's great that there's face painting etc but it would also be nice to know if there will be food/refreshment stalls and any other activities- bouncy castle, stalls etc

I wouldn't be likely to attend something in London.

But round here they do screen over 50's - my dh went to Dr for totally unrelated thing & they tested his PSA levels. They were 3.8 which is apparently high & 6 months later 5.1 tho he has no syptoms of anything.
They did the 10 needle biopsy & said there was no cancer but some abnormal cells, so he is booked into a 40 needle op soon, despite the nurse saying the high PSA is cos he has a large prostate.

So we don't know quite what to think. My dad, in his 70s, has never been tested. Certainly am increasingly aware of these things now tho.

I'm not a medic, I'm a statistician with an amateur interest in the risk/reward equation for medical screening, and I'm interested in prostate cancer because it's very much a live issue (as is breast cancer, which we do screen for, though some people think it's not worthwhile).

The point is that the NHS has considered this at length and made a considered decision not to screen routinely - however they're not necessarily right, and improvements in diagnosis and prognostication might well change their stance. NB that the American stance is also against routine screening, so it's not just about saving money). The Wikipedia page, as usual, gives a decent initial overview that's rather more balanced than the NHS one.

Yes I like the website its bright, attractive and explains the event well.

I have only ever taking part in a sponsored event once before.

The cause is very close to me right now which is why my eye was drawn to this thread and why I'm now going to sign my whole family up.

I don't know how this compares to other sponsored events, but it seems expensive to enter my family of 6. Of course I appreciate its fundraising, which we would aim to achieve highest possible, but initial outlay is pricey. Perhaps cheaper rates for siblings would appeal?

Yes I like the website its bright, attractive and explains the event well.

I have only ever taking part in a sponsored event once before.

The cause is very close to me right now which is why my eye was drawn to this thread and why I'm now going to sign my whole family up.

I don't know how this compares to other sponsored events, but i would prefer if a family could collect one amount of sponsorship rather than individuals. For my family of 6 its a nervewracking amount to achieve. Of course we'd aim to collect as much as we could. But daunting prospect that we need to raise 120 minimum, my children don't have huge contacts to rely on as adults do.

Would attend if it was at a park nearby, however London is too far. All my family would love joining in a fun walk. I have taken part in Race for Life, and would love to take part in something with my DS's. Prostate Action is extremely relevant to me. My dad has prostrate cancer, and I would love to raise awareness of how many men actually have it and don't know, or don't want to talk about the symptoms until it is too late. I would suggest, as others, that the sponsorship amount is left up to entrants, as we would struggle to raise such an amount, especially as they are encouraging families to enter and we would normally ask our family for sponsorship. Good luck to all those who enter!