RIYADH — Around the world, men’s life expectancy continues to be lower than compared to women’s, in part due to them being less likely to visit a doctor. For men, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and third most common in Saudi Arabia . Currently more than 8% of the Kingdom’s population is over the age of 55 - within the age group at risk of prostate cancer - this number is expected to increase as the population continues to age.

The current knowledge gap in patient care was addressed during a panel discussion ‘Understanding Prostate Cancer patient needs’ held during the Arab League for Patients Organizations Forum in Egypt. The forum also saw the launch of the ‘Every Voice Matters’ initiative.

‘Every Voice Matters’ aims to give prostate cancer patients a voice, so that their needs are heard and understood. The MENA wide initiative is sponsored by Astellas Pharma and endorsed by medical societies and patient organizations from across the region including Saudi Cancer Foundation (KSA); Saudi Urology Association (KSA) ; Emirates Urology Society (UAE); Friends of Cancer Patients (UAE); Egyptian Urology Association (Egypt); Can Survive (Egypt), Barbara Nassar (Lebanon), Lebanese Medical Oncology Society (Lebanon); and Lebanese Urology Society (Lebanon). During phase one of the initiative, a prostate cancer patient survey will be conducted by IPSOS (independent research agency) in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, UAE, and Egypt. The results are expected to be announced by November 2018. Phase two of the initiative will see cross industry collaboration and activities to address needs identified by the survey.

Dr Mohamed Elsayes, Medical Director, Saudi Cancer Foundation, said: “Our key mission is to raise awareness of cancer and fight cancer on all fronts through all possible direct and indirect channels. We are pleased to partner with Astellas Pharma, other patient organizations, and medical societies across the region for ‘Every Voice Matters’ initiative, because we believe that understanding patients’ needs will allow us to drive action in the right direction to meet those needs.”

The cancer care ecosystem is complex involving many stakeholders – treating physicians, patients’ family and friends, patient organizations, government and pharmaceutical companies - who often don’t engage with the patient directly or collaborate among themselves. Dr Elsayes elaborating the benefits of ‘Every Voice Matters’ initiative, said: “Having data driven insights of what prostate cancer patients need the most we will allow us to identify areas for collaboration among all stakeholders and to advance patient care.”

Ayman Eldeeb, Cluster Head, Astellas Pharma, said: “Improving the lives of patients is the key focus for Astellas Pharma. We are pleased to bring ‘Every Voice Matters’ initiative to the Middle East, and to work with medical societies and patient organizations in the region to understand the needs of prostate cancer patients. Our hope is that the availability of data on prostate cancer patient needs will serve as a starting point for industry wide collaboration and as a result the patients will receive better support throughout their treatment allowing them to enjoy higher quality of life while coping with the disease.”

‘Every Voice Matters’ gives patients the opportunity to share their story on how prostate cancer has affected their life, so men fighting the disease can receive the support that they need. If you are a prostate cancer patient and want to share your story, you can contact IPSOS (research agency) directly and enroll yourself in the survey: Tel: +9714 428 0332; Email: EVM@IPSOS.COM — SG