LONDON, May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

People in Scotland rank higher than the UK average in recognising the warning signs of bladder cancer, but still fall short in their overall understanding of the disease. Action on Bladder Cancer (ABC) reports that 66% of people in Scotland recognise blood in urine as the most common symptom of bladder cancer compared with the UK average of 55%^[1]. Despite this, 99% of the Scottish population do not know that smoking is one of the most common causes of the disease and two-thirds (66%) don't know anything about treatment options^[1]. ABC is supporting a Regional Bladder Cancer Support Group being set up in South East Scotland which can help increase patient, and therefore public understanding, of bladder cancer. ABC sees this as a model to be adopted nationwide to further improve patient care and outcomes.

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The focus of the South East Scotland Support Group is an 'out of hospital' service for those affected by bladder cancer to share and learn from others with similar experiences. Supplementing the care provided within the healthcare setting, this Group is being established around a 'buddying system' and workshops specifically tailored to different states of the disease.

Supported by Maggies, Macmillan and (SCAN South East Scotland Cancer Network), Mr Param Mariappan, Consultant Urologist, NHS Lothian and Regional Advisor to ABC, has been leading the set up of the Scotland Group. "Bladder cancer is the 4^th most common cancer in men and the 11^th in women^[2], but it is also not just one disease. As our medical understanding is growing, we need to be tailoring information accordingly for patients, so that they receive sufficient information on their condition to be involved in making informed choices about their care options. The type of information that someone with low risk bladder cancer will need is very different from someone who has been diagnosed with very late stage disease. Over and above what we do as Clinicians, extended care is critical for a patient with cancer. I term this CIS (Communication, Information and Support) - Our Support Group looks to bring individuals together who can help others likely to go through a similar experience of care."

Mr Brian Sibbald O.B.E. who has been affected by bladder cancer and involved in the beginnings of the Group says, "At the moment, because of my treatment, I don't have cancer, but I feel I am still on a journey. To me, it is important to find ways, such as a dedicated support group to share and reassure others who are more recently diagnosed with bladder cancer."

Over 10,000 people are diagnosed every year in the UK^[2] and ABC, the only UK charity dedicated to bladder cancer, wants to encourage more people to understand more about the disease. Up to date information on the disease and advice on how people can help raise awareness is available through the ABC website (http://www.actiononbladdercancer.org). The work of ABC supports the Be Clear on Cancer Campaign run by the Department of Health as well as Bladder Cancer initiatives organised throughout the US during May-July 2013.

Mr Colin Bunce, Chair of ABC and Consultant Urologist in Barnet says: "The profile of bladder cancer and, as a result, the care of patients can be significantly improved by asking the public and healthcare professionals and providers to become involved in our dedicated Charity, ABC (http://www.actiononbladdercancer.org) - we want to work together."

References:

1. GfK NOP Survey on bladder cancer for Action on Bladder Cancer, April 2012
2. Cancer Research UK, Cancer Stats Key Facts, Bladder Cancer

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/prod_consump/groups/cr_common/@nre/@sta/documents/generalcontent/crukmig_1000ast-2778.pdf

Survey Technical Details:

In 2012 Gfk NOP commissioned TNS Research to conduct a face-to-face omnibus survey amongst 1015 adults aged 16+ in Great Britain. Weighting was applied to the data in both surveys to ensure it matched known population profiles.

For further information, please email:
Janis Troup/Debra Lord
abc@rightangleuk.com

To contact the South East Scotland Bladder Cancer Support Group:
Sandra Bagnall, South East Scotland Cancer Network (SCAN) Patient Involvement Manager 
E: sandra.bagnall@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

http://www.actiononbladdercancer.org

SOURCE Action on Bladder Cancer