The Prostate Project is a registered charity established in 1998 by prostate cancer patient Colin Stokes and his consultant urological surgeon, Mr John Davies. Their ambition is to give men a better chance of beating prostate cancer. In the past 16 years it has raised over £6 million and helped the Royal Surrey County Hospital achieve ‘Centre of Excellence’ status in the treatment of prostate cancer. The Prostate Project supports the Royal Surrey County Hospital, St Luke’s Cancer Centre and Frimley Park Hospital in their efforts to detect and treat prostate cancer. It has provided equipment, specialist nursing staff and run an active patient support group.
The Prostate Project research initiative, launched in 2006 at the University of Surrey, has grown to become the largest charity-funded prostate cancer research group in the UK. Currently 25 strong, the Prostate Project research team is producing results of international importance including the development of antibodies against targets on the surface of prostate cancers, the development of vaccines from the patient’s own immune cells and the use of a potential new marker (EN2) in urine to identify the presence of prostate cancer; the first breakthrough in diagnosis since the 30-year-old PSA blood test currently used to detect prostate cancer
The Prostate Project principal aims and objectives:
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To raise awareness, particularly amongst men, of the existence of prostate cancer, its symptoms and its potential adverse effect
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To encourage wider recognition of the symptoms of the disease and swifter action in seeking GP’s advice
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To fund state of the art equipment and specialist staff to support Urologists in achieving early diagnosis and rapid treatment
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To push forward the boundaries of knowledge about prostate cancer by initiating a world class programme of research
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To help fund the building of a world-class model NHS Urology Centre at the Royal Surrey County Hospital
What sets the Prostate Project apart:
We pride ourselves in being run largely by volunteers and keeping administration costs below 4% – significantly lower than the 30-70% of some of the larger charities and fundraising organisations. This ensures that 96p in every £1 donated goes directly to the point of need. As a result of the Prostate Projects work, and that of others around the world, men diagnosed today with prostate cancer are many times more likely to be cured or at least have their lives significantly extended, than was the case ten years ago