Men, Partners and Patients in Europe United Against Prostate Cancer

Barcelona, Spain (ots/PRNewswire) -

- New Survey Highlights Need for Education Resources, Critical
Role of Physician in Patient Communication and Importance of
Maintaining Normal Lifestyle During Treatment

Findings from a survey of European prostate cancer patients,
presented at the 2nd European Multidisciplinary Meeting on Urological
Cancers (EMUC) in Barcelona, Spain, highlight the need for further
sources of information about the disease.

It found that only 44 per cent of patients felt the information
given to them on the likely outcome of their disease at the time of
diagnosis was very informative. The critically important role of
the physician in providing information about prostate cancer was
strongly recognised with over three quarters of those surveyed
identifying their specialist as the most important source.

Experts consider the provision of information post-consultation
to be vitally important in enabling those affected to understand
their situation and work with their physician to combat their
disease, even though 40 per cent of respondents indicated they
preferred to let their physician decide what is best in terms of
treatment. Nearly 60 per cent of respondents stated they prefer to
discuss options with their physician and decide together on the best
way forward.

The survey discovered that many patients had not discussed key
issues with their physician. For example, maintenance of a normal
lifestyle during treatment of prostate cancer was considered as
important by patients (40 per cent) as concerns about side effects
(42 per cent), but many had not talked about lifestyle with their
specialist.

To help aid understanding and communication, people across Europe
affected by the disease can for the first time access a new online
resource, UnitedAgainstProstateCancer.com, designed to particularly
inform men affected by prostate cancer, through novel and
comprehensive educational resources and links to patient
organisations across Europe. The survey and website have been
commissioned as an educational initiative by Astellas Pharma Europe
Ltd.

Professor Bertrand Tombal, Chairman of Urology Services at
Universitaires Saint-Luc, Belgium, who reviewed the information
available on the website said: "The survey shows us the pivotal role
of the specialist physician in educating and informing patients about
prostate cancer following diagnosis. The key question is what happens
after the consultation. A diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan is
a lot of information to take in and consider, so resources are
required to help refresh the memory and continue to promote and
enhance understanding away from the consultation room."

He added, "UnitedAgainstProstateCancer.com is a highly welcome
and valuable resource which helps to fill information gaps not only
for patients but men, their families and anyone touched by prostate
cancer. It recognises that it is not just patients who are affected,
and that the need for ongoing learning and education about the
disease among all those touched by it is high."

UnitedAgainstProstateCancer.com aims to help demystify prostate
cancer by offering a range of straightforward visual representations
of the condition and its impact on the body. It also provides up to
date information on treatment options and contact information to
organisations across Europe who are united in supporting patients.

Notes to Editors:

About UnitedAgainstProstateCancer.com

- http://unitedagainstprostatecancer.com/ is not designed to provide
medical advice or professional health services. Information provided is
not a substitute for medical care and should not be used for diagnosing
or treating prostate cancer. Anyone who has, or suspects they may have,
a health problem should contact their doctor.

About Astellas Pharma Europe

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., located in the UK, is a European
subsidiary of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a
pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people
around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable
pharmaceutical products. The organisation is committed to becoming a
global company by combining outstanding R&D and marketing
capabilities and continuing to grow in the world pharmaceutical
market. Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. is responsible for 20 affiliate
offices located across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, an R&D
site and three manufacturing plants with approximately 3,500 staff.

About the EU Patient Survey

- The EU Patient survey of European prostate cancer patients was
conducted by GfK HealthCare, an independent survey house, in June 2009
and funded by Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.
- A total of 252 diagnosed prostate cancer patients were interviewed in
France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain.
- In addition to information about patients' views on the
management of prostate cancer, insights were gained on the different
types of therapy currently offered. For example, the survey found that
nearly 50 per cent of those surveyed had undergone a surgical procedure
during prostate cancer management, with 39 per cent stating they had
undertaken hormone therapy and 37 per cent had taken a course of
radiotherapy.
http://unitedagainstprostatecancer.com/

ots Originaltext: Astellas Pharma Europe
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Georgina Pinnington, georgina.pinnington@resolutecommunications.com,
+44(0)20-7015-1308; Sheniz Yusuf,
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