Men across the North East and Yorkshire who have had or are living with prostate cancer are being invited to join a major research programme that aims to improve the diagnosis, treatment and care of the disease.

The NHS is contacting more than half a million men across England to take part in Prostate Progress, a groundbreaking research initiative led by the charity Prostate Cancer Research, backed by Stephen Fry, and supported by the NHS DigiTrials recruitment service.

Participants will be asked to share their experiences of living with prostate cancer through regular questionnaires. They will also be asked to allow their NHS records to be securely linked for approved research purposes.

By combining information from NHS records with patients’ experiences, researchers hope to develop better tests and treatments, improve outcomes and gain a deeper understanding of the impact prostate cancer has on people’s lives.

Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed every year and more than 12,000 deaths annually. The programme is particularly keen to hear from Black men, who face approximately twice the risk of developing prostate cancer compared with other men.

Although he had no symptoms, Grant Aldred, 58, from North Yorkshire (pictured left), whose father had prostate cancer, asked for a PSA test during a routine NHS health check.

“That decision ultimately led to the discovery of metastatic prostate cancer at the age of 56 back in 2024,” Grant said. “I’ve since had intensive treatment that has helped me to stabilise my cancer, for now.

“Looking back, I’m concerned that too many men with a family history of the disease aren’t aware of their risk or are discouraged from getting tested. That’s why I’m supporting Prostate Progress, to help drive the research needed to improve earlier detection and give more men the chance of better outcomes.”

Michael Keanner, 74, from West Yorkshire (right), who is living with cancer, spoke about the importance of research studies such as Prostate Progress.

“My experience of prostate cancer has been one of real highs and lows,” Michael said. “Being told in 2018 that the disease had already spread to my bones was devastating, but my doctors reassured me that I could live well with prostate cancer rather than die from it.

“With an uncle who died from the disease, a cousin who is unwell with it, and a brother who is also living with it, I know the impact it can have on families.

“We need better ways to identify men at high risk and detect prostate cancer earlier, and that’s why research, through studies like Prostate Progress, is so important.”

Nick Fletcher, 60, from North Yorkshire (left), said getting a prostate cancer diagnosis was a huge shock, but catching it early made all the difference.

“Hormone treatment and radiotherapy were tough, but thanks to incredible medical care and treatment, my PSA is low and I’m doing really well today,” Nick said.

“Early detection is crucial and research is vital to improve treatments and help more men in the future. I’m living proof of why research matters – it gives us effective treatments and, most importantly, hope.”

NHS Regional Medical Director (Interim) for North East and Yorkshire, Dr Yasmin Khan, encouraged men who receive an invitation to consider taking part in the study.

“Prostate cancer affects thousands of people and families across our region every year,” Dr Khan said.

“Research is helping us make significant progress in diagnosing and treating cancer, but there is still more to do. By taking part in Prostate Progress, people in our communities can help researchers better understand the disease and improve care for future generations. If you receive an invitation, I would encourage you to consider taking part.”

People who join Prostate Progress will be asked to complete questionnaires every few months about their experiences of living with prostate cancer and the impact it has on their daily lives.

Researchers will then be able to securely compare this information with NHS data, helping them understand more about the disease, improve diagnosis, monitor the safety of treatments and develop better care for patients in the future. Those eligible to take part will receive information directly from the NHS explaining how they can register. For more information visit Prostate Cancer Research.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, said: “Prostate cancer affects the lives of tens of thousands of men every year and we’ve seen survival rates rising in recent decades thanks to ground-breaking research and clinical trials.

“It’s really important that we understand how prostate cancer affects men’s lives in detail, which is why we’re joining forces with the charity Prostate Cancer Research, so we can continue to transform care and treatment.

“We’ll be contacting over half a million men over the next few months who have or who have had prostate cancer, and I’d urge anyone who receives an invite to Prostate Progress to sign up. Joining Prostate Progress today will make a tremendous difference to the lives of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the future.”

Sir Stephen Fry, prostate cancer research ambassador, said: “A prostate cancer diagnosis can knock you sideways and leave you feeling rather powerless – maybe even a little frightened.

“Yet Prostate Progress offers something genuinely hopeful: the chance to turn our individual experiences into knowledge that may help future generations of men live longer, healthier lives.

“It is a simple act, but one with the potential for enormous collective good. If you’ve experienced prostate cancer, I urge you to join me and thousands of others by signing up to Prostate Progress today.”