Title: Prostate Cancer Patients Demand Legislation for Sanitary Bins in Men’s Toilets
Subtitle: Prostate Cancer UK Launches Boys Need Bins Campaign
Date: [Insert Date]
By Catriona Aitken, BBC News
Prostate cancer patients have spoken out about the “horrendous” experience of urinary incontinence, which is often a side effect of surgery. Raymond Starr, 68, described the condition as being “like a running tap” and expressed his feelings of agitation and embarrassment.
In response, charity Prostate Cancer UK is calling for legislation to ensure that sanitary bins are available in all male toilets. The organization stresses the importance of knowing the risks associated with the disease, as early stages often have no symptoms and the side effects of treatment have the biggest impact on people’s quality of life.
One in eight men will experience prostate cancer in their lifetime, and this number increases to one in four for black men. To highlight the challenges faced by those with urinary incontinence, Prostate Cancer UK has launched the Boys Need Bins campaign.
Raymond Starr underwent a radical prostatectomy, a surgery that involves the removal of the prostate gland, followed by the fitting and later removal of a catheter. This procedure commonly leads to urinary incontinence. Starr recalled feeling unaware of the potential consequences, stating, “You’re aware of it, but I don’t think you really take on board what’s likely to happen.”
The incontinence was so severe that Starr felt trapped, uttering, “I thought, ‘if I’m going to be like this for the rest of my life, I wish I’d never gone ahead with this.'” The side effects affected his mental health and limited his freedom to leave his home.
Another patient, Nigel Rowland from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, had a similar experience after being diagnosed with prostate cancer and opting for surgery. Rowland emphasized the psychological impact, noting the embarrassment of carrying a “soaking wet nappy” around in a backpack when going out.
Both men are now free from regular incontinence following successful surgeries. However, they hope that by speaking out, they can raise awareness of the need for sanitary bins in men’s toilets.
Prostate Cancer UK’s Boys Need Bins campaign aims to prompt legislation that mandates the provision of sanitary disposal bins in all men’s toilets. The charity believes this will alleviate the anxiety experienced by hundreds of thousands of men who have urinary incontinence.
Nick Ridgman of Prostate Cancer UK expressed frustration at the current situation, stating that the lack of accessible facilities impacts men’s dignity and restricts their ability to navigate through daily activities. He called for urgent action and noted that the Welsh government should lead the way.
In response to the campaign, the Welsh government acknowledged the importance of adequate toilet facilities and revealed that local authorities are legally required to address this issue. The government stated that it has issued guidance to ensure that accessible toilets are prioritized, particularly for individuals with conditions such as incontinence and prostate problems.
The debate around male incontinence reached the Senedd in May, where Labour’s Carolyn Thomas confessed her initial ignorance of the issue until she spoke to a prostate cancer patient on a train. This encounter highlighted the struggles faced by patients and their families in finding suitable sanitary bins.
Prostate Cancer UK has collaborated with Phs Group to create a suitable sanitary bin specifically designed for men’s toilets. With growing support and awareness, the hope is that Wales can become the first country to implement this inclusive provision, enabling men with urinary incontinence to live their lives with dignity and confidence.
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Caption: Prostate Cancer UK has partnered with Phs Group to design a suitable sanitary bin for men’s toilets.