Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what non-medical support his Department offers to men with prostate cancer.

Non-medical support for men with prostate cancer is provided by a range of National Health Service staff and non-NHS organisations. Clinical Nurse Specialists (or other staff) conduct holistic needs assessments (HNA) to identify a person’s practical, physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and social needs. The HNA is available to all patients, including those with advanced stages of cancer.

The HNA helps inform a conversation and agreement with the person affected by cancer on how these needs could be met (a personalised care and support plan), which may include support with issues such as employment, relationship difficulties, housing and personal finance. This approach is currently being rolled out across England as part of the national cancer programme, with a focus around the time of diagnosis, treatment and recovery from primary treatment. While this approach is being established across England for people around the time of primary treatment, it is also important at times of ‘transition’, for example when cancer recurs and new treatment is offered, as needs will probably have changed. Anyone can request a HNA and review of their care plan at any time.

Non-NHS organisations such as charities, local authorities and community groups are often part of local provision of health and wellbeing support and information that can assist people affected by cancer with non-medical issues.