OXFORDSHIRE prostate cancer patients and their families now have a place to speak openly and frankly about their experiences of the illness.

The Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group has been established by patients and staff at the Churchill Hospital to give patients a relaxed environment to talk.

The group, which already has 35 members, is preparing to launch a website and plans to hold at least four meetings a year.

Secretary George Goldsmith said the support group was open to all prostate cancer sufferers and their families across the county.

He said: “It will provide a relaxed social environment to enable those affected, and their families, to meet in comfortable surroundings and, if they wish to, discuss any of the issues arising from a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

“In due course the group will be supporting awareness events in the county to remind men of the existence of the condition and to seek early treatment when they spot any possible symptoms.

“We will need to raise money to support these aims and eventually, to provide additional equipment for the clinic at Churchill Hospital.”

Simon Brewster, consultant urologist and prostate cancer lead clinician at the Churchill, was impressed by the enthusiasm of members at the new patient support group.

He attended the first two meetings to give a lecture about the importance of diet and exercise for patients.

He said: “We hope the group will bring patients together in an environment where they can freely interact and perhaps advise newly diagnosed patients about their own experiences.”

The group will next meet at 6.30pm on Monday, August 22, at the Southfield Golf Club, in Hill Top Road, Oxford.

* For further information please email secopcsg@btinternet.com or telephone the secretary, George Goldsmith 01235 763486. or go to oxonpcsg.co.uk