10:36am Thursday 26th October 2006
BARRY grandfather Dave Powell is confident the campaign to get funding for brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer sufferers in Wales will eventually succeed.
Mr Powell has written and spoken to health minister Dr Brian Gibbon this week, who told him that he agrees with the campaign that by this time next year the treatment will be available But Mr Powell has vowed to continue the fight to get funding immediately, with another protest at the Welsh Assembly's Senedd next Monday.
He is due to meet health officials at the Assembly today, alongside prostate cancer support groups Progress and Procare.
Mr Powell said: "We are pushing this so hard now I don't think it's going to be long. There are men who need this treatment now, not six months' time."
Brachytherapy treatment involves radioactive seeds being implanted directly into the prostate gland and has far less serious side effects than radiotherapy or surgery, which can induce impotency and incontinence.
Mr Powell added: "This is so important for men. They are fighting for a quality of life, as well as treatment."
He praised everyone who has supported the fight and said the campaign had been working closely with the Progress Prostate Cancer Support Group based in Newport.
The organisation operates a telephone line for sufferers to call for help, support and advice.
Sufferers and their families can contact 01633 234237 or attend a support group meeting.
The next meeting will be at the urology department of the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, on November 8 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
Progress Prostate Cancer Support Group chair Irene Moore said: "Our support group is there for men who have had prostate cancer, their wives and their partners.
"The support line is letting people know we are there for them."
A Welsh Assembly spokesman said: "We are aware that Health Commission Wales is now working closely with Velindre Trust to develop a service for Wales.
"They are also in discussions with Local Health Boards to develop an integrated approach to commissioning services for prostate cancer."
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