Stephen Fry urges prostate cancer patients to sign up to 'groundbreaking' data project which will improve treatment of the deadly disease By Shaun Wooller Published: 01:04, 23 July 2024 | Updated: 01:04, 23 July 2024 e-mail View comments Actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry is urging prostate cancer patients to sign up for a major new research initiative that could save thousands of lives. The NHS has partnered with Prostate Cancer Research to give scientists access to health data in a bid to transform patient care and treatment of the disease. The charity's Prostate Progress project is the first to be selected to take part in NHS England's Data for Research and Development Programme.
The initiative will provide 'safe and secure' access to the clinical data of prostate cancer patients who agree to take part, alongside data the patients directly input - such as how they are feeling and the real-life effects of their cancer and its treatment. Researchers hope to gain unique insights into prostate cancer by combining the two sets of data to understand more about the disease, develop new treatments and tests to improve diagnosis, monitor the safety of treatments, and plan new NHS services. Stephen Fry, 66, who has previously had prostate cancer surgery, is keen to encourage others living with a diagnosis to get involved with the project The blue ribbon represents prostate cancer awareness.
The Daily Mail has campaigned for more than two decades for better diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer Mr Fry, 66, who has previously had prostate cancer surgery, is keen to encourage others living with a diagnosis to get involved with the project. He said: '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.
Read More First prostate cancer drug that can be taken at home gets green light for NHS use 'We can bring the world closer to a future where this disease is no longer a threat, where early detection and effective, humane treatment saves lives. 'I am excited to be part of Prostate Progress and urge others to join me.' Anyone diagnosed with prostate cancer, either recently or in the past, is being encouraged to take part.
There are around 52,000 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed across the UK every year - the equivalent of 142 every day - making it the most common cancer among men. While survival rates have tripled in the past 50 years, projections indicate that by 2040 the number of men diagnosed every year in the UK could double. The Daily Mail has campaigned for more than two decades for better diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
Dr Vin Diwakar, national director of transformation at NHS England, said: 'This unique collaboration with Prostate Cancer Research will provide new insights into prostate cancer and improve care for patients. Mr Fry said: said: 'Prostate Progress represents a beacon of hope in the fight against prostate cancer, a disease that impacts countless lives globally' Dr Vin Diwakar, national director of transformation at NHS England, said: 'This unique collaboration with Prostate Cancer Research will provide new insights into prostate cancer and improve care for patients' '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 levels of security. 'Researchers will benefit from the rich picture provided from both NHS clinical data as well as information from patients who volunteer to take part and share their experiences.
'I'd encourage anyone who has had prostate cancer to sign up for Prostate Progress and help improve the lives of people with the disease.' Oliver Kemp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer Research, said: 'Prostate Progress puts data back into the hands of the patient, allowing them to record and track the impact of prostate cancer on their day-to-day lives. 'Putting patients at the heart of research and bringing the data they contribute together with clinical data will be massively powerful.
'It will be the key to driving forward scientific discoveries and innovations to deliver tests and treatments that meet patient need. 'We are delighted to be working in partnership with NHS England and look forward to working alongside our NHS colleagues as we reap the promised benefits for patients and the NHS. 'We are tremendously grateful to all those who have contributed to the work that has gone into designing and developing Prostate Progress, and most especially to men diagnosed with prostate cancer, who have given freely of their time and energies to support this ground-breaking initiative.
' Men can find out more information about the initiative and sign up at www.ProstateProgress.org Stephen Fry Share or comment on this article: Stephen Fry urges prostate cancer patients to sign up to 'groundbreaking' data project which will improve treatment of the deadly disease e-mail Add comment.
