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

[peggyblackett]

Yes, the website is good. I love running races, unfortunately this is a little too far for me, but if it took off in the same way as the Race for Life and became regional I'd be there.

My dc are a little young to enter fun runs, however when they are older then yes (although I'd have to light a fire under DH to get him to run)

No, although I have run a lot of half marathons which have raised money for charity. I have done a 10k Race for Life, but that's it on the charity specific runs.

It is very relevant as my FIL has had prostate cancer - fortunately he recovered.

I think a minimum sponsorship level would put a lot of runners off tbh. I would prefer to pay more to enter, say £20, but have no pressure to raise a certain amount of sponsorship. I'm also ashamed to say that at the end of the run I do like a medal . I appreciate that for the charity this is too much of an ask, but if you could get a sponsor to pay then maybe its a possibility. Ditto goody bags (shame on me as I'm very anti party bags at children's parties!).

[EmLH]

I wouldn't attend as it's in London, but would attend one more locally (Cambridge).

Would like to do it as a family. If was on road as opposed to grass, could take toddler in buggy if allowed. Doubt DH would be too keen but could prob be persuaded!

Have done 5k and 10k before for cancer research. Scenery of sandringham made the run much easier as was so pretty.

Cause is very relevant as my dad was recently treated for prostate cancer.

Would like a family day with craft and food stalls, things for kids to do etc. Animals are always a big draw. Could charge to go into petting zoo or something, with all proceeds going to the charity.

[Slambang]

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

Yes it's quite fun looking. If I was local I would go along.

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

NO, wouldn't be able to persuade dh to run in public.

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

No

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

I have sons husband and father who all have prostates so it has to be relevant.

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

Entertainment (music etc) for the non runners.

[MegBusset]

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

I might consider it if we lived closer, although I have already done a sponsored walk this spring for Macmillan and would probably not want to pester friends and family for more funds so soon.

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

Yes, if it was well organised and convenient (not London as we live in Norfolk)

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

See above, I walked nine miles for Macmillan in April.

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

Not personally relevant but I would still consider raising money for it.

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

Have regional ones all over the UK (like Race for Life). Tone down the pants theme a bit though I'm sure the kids would think it was funny.

[Safmellow]

This is an issue that is close to my heart, as my dad has suffered prostate problems for years and had several biopsies. After the last one he developed septicemia and nearly died.

I would definitely be interested in an event like this if it was closer to me, agree with some pps that it would be more appealing overall if there were more activities for children/families.

[Quip]

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

I live too far away. Not sure I'd attend even if it was local as I prefer other charities.

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

Perhaps, if it was for a different charity.

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

Race for Life - I did this a couple of times

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

Given that most people die with prostate cancer not of it, and that aggressive testing can cause as many risks as benefits, it's not a cause that I donate to. I understand that people suffer from prostate cancer but I'd rather give to generic cancer charities.

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

Not really.

[SuePBlovesaDiamondJubilee]

I think it's a good idea but the initial idea did make me think of people running in just their pants. Not that it's any the worse for that

I'm not near London and it would take a lot for this to catch on here (rural West Country) but I think it has the potential to become like the Race for Life etc. Don't most people do that in bras? Extra ones over the t shirts obv, clearly they should ALL run in bras. Ouch.

I agree with the comments about the festival/attractions and the initial price.

I hope it does catch on, I could make Pants bunting.

[Caerlaverock]

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

No, as i live too far away. Also I suppose the prostate is really a part of the body I associate with family fun.

• 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
  

I have done the run for life before

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

Very relevant my uncle has been very ill with prostate cancer and my h has has ongoing prostrate problems, cancer has not been ruled out.

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

I am not sure, I really don't think my h would want to participate despite suffering from prostate problems, I think raising awareness of prostate health and how to improve it is a great thing.

[BikeRunSki]

Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
Possibly if it was local, but I would not go all the way to London for it (I grew up in Battersea, but am in Yorkshire now)

• 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?
  

I have done the Race for Life as an individual

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

Very. My uncle has had Prostate Cancer, although currently in remission. He was diagnosed at Stage 4 and knows that he is very lucky to still be here 5 years on. he did the Race for the future on the day DS was born - DS is named after him.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family? Seems expensive - and likely to put me off completely.

[ouryve]

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

Um, no, because it's at the other end of the country from us.

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

It depends. Both kids have ASD and don't cope with crowds.

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

No

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

As relevant as it is to any family with male members.

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

Not being so London-centric, for a start.

[GemmaProstateAction]

Hi everyone, it's Gemma from Prostate Action here. I'm the Head of Events and a mum to be too.

Thanks for all the replies so far, keep them coming!

In response to a few questions posed on here regarding Prostate Cancer and screening; screening for prostate cancer has been a thorny issue for many years. Prostate cancer is much easier to treat when caught early so it stands to reason that everyone would want to catch it as soon as possible and that, in most people?s minds, leads to screening. Unfortunately, there isn?t a reliable enough test for prostate cancer to make screening worthwhile. The PSA blood test, while a useful indicator of prostate health, is not a test for cancer and using it for screening would throw up too many false positives (resulting in unnecessary over-treatment) and too many false negatives (resulting in potentially fatal under-treatment). Interestingly, in the States, there used to be a policy of PSA screening which has recently been overturned due to these reasons.

While we?re waiting for better diagnostic tests ? we, along with a number of other organisations are currently funding research projects looking specifically into this, but unfortunately it takes time ? it?s important for men to be aware of the signs and risks associated with prostate cancer. Problems peeing could be a sign of prostate cancer (although they?re far more likely to be something else less sinister) and, if your man is in his late 40s to 50s or above, you should encourage him to talk to his doctor about them. If he has a family history of prostate cancer or is black, he is in a higher risk group and should think about talking to his doctor from the age of 45 or even earlier if he?s concerned.

We?ve been told by some urologists that if men lived to be 200 years old, they would probably all have prostate cancer but would most likely die of something else. The disease is broadly spoken about in two forms ? tigers (the aggressive strain which is very difficult to treat) and pussycats (much less aggressive and sometimes may not require treatment at all). The problem is we don?t really have a way of telling which is which at the moment. We hear devastating stories about men who have died as early as their late 30s but it doesn?t necessarily mean that all men under the age of 50 who get prostate cancer are doomed. In fact, we?ve met men who were diagnosed in their 40s and have recovered now and have joined in charity runs for us. That?s also not to say that older men won?t develop the ?tigers? later on in life.

There?s so much we still don?t know about prostate cancer, it?s an incredibly complex disease, but there are improvements being made all the time. We really hope that raising awareness among men and their families will help make a difference. The most important message for us is that men should be aware of the symptoms and their own risk and if they are concerned about anything about their health (and we would extend this beyond prostate matters) they should visit the doctor.

Wow, sorry for the long post - I hope that some of you find this useful and do just shout if you have any other questions.

Thanks again for all of your replies to our questions about Pants in the Park!

[Caerlaverock]

Hi Gemma, my h has prostatitis and tbh had to go back to the gp a few times before he was taken seriously, even then the advice and support isn't great. It is a miserable condition and raising awareness can only be a good thing

[Rindercella]

Gemma, thank you so much for your response. Can I ask if there are any plans to better educate primary health professionals on the groups who have an increased risk of this disease? My DH repeatedly went back to his GP over a period of about 2 years, to be fobbed off with minor ailments being diagnosed. It didn't even appear to enter the GP's head that DH might have prostate cancer, despite his age, his ethnicity and the fact he had a huge bloody swelling in his groin. So by the time DH was diagnosed it was just too late for him. Obviously this is something I am following up with the practice, but I have heard time and again that other GPs are not aware of the raised risk of prostate cancer in Afro Caribbean men.

[Caerlaverock]

That is terrible rinderella, so sorry.

[KatieBMumsnet]

Hi Rindercella, Gemma at Prostate Action has asked us to post this:

"We offer free on-day Masterclasses in prostate disease for GPs and other primary care professionals for precisely this reason. We've heard some horror stories from patients that show shocking levels of ignorance among some doctors. Every other month we visit a different part of the country and use a combination of local speakers, national experts and patient case studies to educate doctors and nurses about the latest thinking in prostate disease treatment and diagnosis. So far we've trained nearly 4,000 people like this and we're looking to expand the programme in the future. You can find out more at //www.prostateaction.org.uk/masterclass"

[Rindercella]

Thank you Katie/Gemma, it's good to know that something positive is being done. And thanks too Caerlaverock

[lionheart]

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

Yes, if I lived in London. I like the superhero motif but doubt whether anyone in my family would go for pants outside idea!

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

Yes, depending on the cause.

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

Not as yet.

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

Relevant to me and anyone who cares about male health.

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

Co-ordinate it across the regions.

[TheReturnOfStropperella]

I think my ds (7) would like the pants outside idea but I don't think anyone else in the family would go for it, tbh. We would probably still come to the event if we lived close enough, though.

Prostate cancer is sadly very relevant for us right now as dh is about to start treatment. He was diagnosed very early because our GP is very switched on and referred him on after a slightly raised PSA and then a DRE. Despite being older (60s), dh has an aggressive form of the disease that requires treatment.

[aristocat]

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

I loved the site and would be very keen to attend the event if we were local, sadly we are too far away.

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

Yes, my DCs are now 10 and 8 and we would do this as a family. Not sure how much they would enjoy it unless there other attractions too.

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

No. However we are willing to try anything

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

I do not have anyone close to me with prostate problems but DH is aware and will go to his GP if necessary.

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

Not being in London. I would like to get a medal on finishing the race, not sure how cost effective this is, but definitely an encouragment to do it.

[missorinoco]

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

Yes, it looks like a family orientated event, and my children would love the idea of decorating pants to wear on the outside. I won't attend, it's too far, but the website is great.

• 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?
  

Signed up for Race for life, but one of the children was ill.

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

Relevant as in prostate disease could affect my husband, as any male. I haven't had a family member affected.

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

Have more events outside of London. I won't attend as it is too far. If there were local events I might.

This is a fantastic idea to raise awareness of men's health, the issues surrounding it and raise money at the same time.

[MakeTeaNotWar]

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

Yes in that it makes it look like a really fun family day out, cheap to enter and for a good cause. However I probably wouldn't just as mu husband works weekends but in theory it looks great and I would like to support the cause.

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

Yes I'm sure I would but not something that we have done as a family yet.

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

I did a 5km run for Tommy's with my daughter aged about 8 months at the time in a buggy.

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

I don't know anyone personally who suffers but with a father, a brother and a husband, I am aware and concerned.

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

Perhaps other locations outside of London

[fallingandlaughing]

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

The location is too far away for me to consider attending. If there was osmething similar in my area the website could potentially encourage me.


Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
My daughter is quite young but as she gets older I would anticipate us doing this sort of thing.

Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
No

How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
I have a partner, father, brothers and other male relatives so relevant to me. A family member died from prostate cancer.

Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
Have events in locations outside of London.

[margia]

• It is definitely a good idea to have an informative website, like this one, to answer any questions. The FAQ seemed to be very comprehensive. Personally I wouldn't go because of a website, it would take recommendation via friends/nursery/school etc.
  
• We haven't done before, but maybe if the event or cause felt personal to us we would. I would go on a general cancer awareness/fundraising walk because it feels like I could explain that to my small child.
  
• We haven't been to any events so specific to a single disease.
  
• I'm not very aware of prostate cancer to be honest, and should probably make it my business to find out at least the basic facts.
  

Also I would have been interested in ( and expected to see, but couldn't) some very simple information about the early signs and symptoms of prostate cancer.

[randomfennel]

Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
Yes it sounds quite interesting and fun, but we live a long way away.

Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
Yes, we might.

Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
we did a 1 mile fun run for sport relief once.

How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
I know it's a common problem but I don't know anyone who's had prostrate problems (or admitted to it anyway).

Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
I'm not sure I really want to wear my pants outside my clothes!