Stephen Fry urges prostate cancer patients to join new project to save lives

The actor, who has previously undergone prostate cancer surgery, is involved in the project launched by Prostate Cancer Research

Renowned actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry is calling on prostate cancer patients to participate in a major new research project that could save lives.

Prostate Progress, a new project launched by Prostate Cancer Research, has been selected to take part in NHS England’s Data for Research and Development Programme.

The NHS is partnering with the charity to provide unique access to healthcare data for research that could transform patient care and treatment of the disease.

Prostate Progress, the first of a series of ‘driver projects’ to support innovative uses of health data, will provide safe and secure access to the clinical data of prostate cancer patients who consent to participate, combined with self-reported data from the patients such as how they are feeling and the real-life effects of their cancer and its treatment.

Researchers anticipate that the integration of the two data sets will provide unique insights into prostate cancer, and help enhance understanding of the disease, develop new treatments and tests to improve diagnosis, monitor the safety of treatments, and plan new NHS services.

Fry, who has personally experienced prostate cancer surgery, is encouraging 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.

“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.”

Dr. Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, believes that this unique partnership 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.

He has called on individuals who have had prostate cancer to sign up for the project and help improve the lives of others with the disease.

Explaining the project, Oliver Kemp, CEO 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.”

For more information about the project and to sign up, one can visit www.prostateprogress.org.

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 55,100 new cases reported annually between 2017 and 2019, according to Cancer Research UK.

The highest incidence rates for prostate cancer in the UK are observed in men aged 75 to 79, based on data from 2017 to 2019.

Between 2017 and 2019, there were 12,093 deaths from prostate cancer in the UK, as per Cancer Research UK.

Prostate Cancer UK is launching a £42 million research programme known as the TRANSFORM trial to identify the most effective method for screening men for prostate cancer.

The trial is currently in the setup phase, with the first participants expected to be invited in early 2025.

This will be the biggest prostate cancer screening trial in 20 years, with the potential to save the lives of thousands of men each year.

It has been developed with the backing of the NHS, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the UK Government, who have committed to contribute £16 million.

The study is also being supported by founding partners Movember and the Freddie Green and Family Charitable Foundation, in addition to other significant donations from philanthropic organisations.