Christian faith, Finsbury Park, patient care, Prostate Cancer, Rainbow Theatre,
Friday 2nd May 2014
An opportunity to learn about prostate problems and particularly prostate cancer, which is diagnosed in over 40,000 men each year*, attracted an audience of 174 to the Rainbow Theatre, Finsbury Park last Saturday (26 April).
The main speakers were Suresh Rambaran from Prostate Cancer UK, and Dr Alexander Kassianos from Northwick Park Hospital.
The briefing was organised by and promoted to North London communities by the Patient Care Group at UCKG HelpCentre’s UK headquarters, as part of its outreach programme.
Specialist nurse Suresh Rambaran covered prostate problems in general, including signs and symptoms that should not be overlooked, providing essential background information and explaining the work of his organisation.
He also commented that: “The church is doing a wonderful welfare job in reaching out to the community.”
Dr Kassianos then spoke about the various treatment options, emphasising the importance of early treatment. He said: “Hopefully, events like this can be expected to make a real difference so that in future people can be treated sooner.”
As medical educators normally only reach other professionals and sufferers’ families, “it was a fantastic opportunity to come into the community and talk about what we do, and especially to reach the younger audience members,” he added.
To avoid the risk of embarrassment on what is a sensitive subject for most men, the audience was invited to hand in written questions, which were answered by a panel. This comprised Dr Kassianos, Suresh Rambaran, and leaders from the Patient Care Group –Agnes Musikavanhu and Hazel Browne, both nurses, and Antonello Napoli who shared his experience in overcoming prostatitis.
Afterwards Dr Alexander Kassianos and Suresh Rambaran were available for private individual discussions with any audience member who wanted their help, along with other qualified nurses who had volunteered to be at the event.
Where appropriate, men were strongly urged to follow up with their GP; and several audience members said they would be doing that anyway or suggesting it to family members.
ENDS
Notes to editors
*Source: Prostate Cancer UK – prostate cancer facts an figures
(https://prostatecanceruk.org/information/prostate-cancer-facts-and-figures)
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort and welcomes all-comers. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are UCKG HelpCentre branches in England and Wales.
Patient Care Group is a community support group of generous minded volunteers from the UCKG HelpCentre who are available to lessen the burden of illness on patients and their families by extending the hand of friendship to them. These make regular visits to patients in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes or their own homes and will also be there for the patients’ families if required.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckgnew.org or direct line 020 7686 6033.
