Celebrating research advancing men’s health in Wales

This Movember, we’re celebrating the people who take part in cancer research and the dedicated teams working to improve outcomes, develop better treatments and ensure men across Wales have access to the care and support they need.

We are proud to be funding one of the world’s largest surgical studies into prostate cancer, aiming to ensure high-risk patients receive the highest standard of care.

Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men in Wales, accounting for more than a quarter of all new male cancer diagnoses. One in eight men in Wales will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

The ELIPSE study (Evaluation of Lymphadenectomy In High Risk Prostate Cancer Surgery) is comparing two types of surgery for men with prostate cancer that has not yet spread, but is at risk of doing so: removal of the prostate and lymph nodes, versus removal of the prostate alone. The results will provide clinicians and patients with vital evidence to guide treatment decisions.

Kevin McDonald, from Pontyclun, was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 70 and chose to take part in the ELIPSE study. He underwent surgery earlier this year and continues to contribute to follow-up questionnaires, helping researchers gather crucial evidence to improve care.

Kevin said: “In my mind, there was no harm done being part of the research study if it helped others. It could be of benefit to the medical profession and to other patients in the future.”

Acclaimed Welsh writer Ifor Thomas was diagnosed with prostate cancer nearly twenty years ago and took part in a major UK clinical trial in Bristol, comparing outcomes for surgery, radiotherapy and active monitoring.

Ifor said: “I’m firmly of the belief that the research group I joined, led by Professors Jenny Donovan and Freddie Hamdy, saved my life. I’m living proof that research works.”

Ifor has published eight books, and his collection Body Beautiful recounts his personal journey through diagnosis and treatment. He recently shared his poetry at the tenth Health and Care Research Wales conference.

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