ANCAP, SOGUG, and Novartis present the 'Until the Prostate' campaign to give a voice to patients with metastatic prostate cancer

The National Prostate Cancer Association (ANCAP), the Spanish Genitourinary Oncology Group (SOGUG), and Novartis have launched the 'Up to the Prostate' campaign, an awareness initiative that directly and unfilteredly conveys the emotional, physical, and social reality of patients living with metastatic prostate cancer.

Through expressions like "Fed up with losing quality of life", "Battling depression" or "When sexual life becomes a taboo", the initiative shows how the disease impacts all areas of life, beyond the physical. Thus, it also highlights emotional, social, and family aspects of the disease's progression, addressing realities such as pain, fatigue, depression, impact on sexual life, and the stigma that still surrounds this pathology.

César Comuñas, vice president of ANCAP, emphasized that "giving visibility to these issues is essential to normalize the situation, allow people to seek help without shame, and promote support networks, such as patient associations.”

Prostate cancer is the most common tumor among men in Spain and the second leading cause of cancer death in the male population. It is estimated that by 2026, more than 34,800 new cases will be diagnosed. In its most aggressive form, castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (CRPCm), the five-year survival rate is around 15%.

In this context, 'Up to the Prostate' transforms the main results of the PROTAGONIST survey, conducted among patients with metastatic prostate cancer, into direct, first-person messages. The data show how the progression of cancer severely affects all aspects of patients' lives: 63% see their daily life significantly limited and 90% perceive cancer as a constant concern. Additionally, 27% have been diagnosed with depression, while 45% state they have not received the necessary psychological support.

On the other hand, 7 out of 10 patients indicate that the disease has affected all aspects of their sexual life, although this topic remains a taboo, with more than 20% of patients preferring not to talk about it.

According to Irene Lorente, psycho-oncologist at ANCAP, “Prostate cancer, regardless of its stage, represents a break from the person's reality and has a profound social and emotional impact. This generates considerable psychological distress, marked by concerns such as fear of death or relapse. Furthermore, stigma, shame, and fear of social judgment can reduce social interactions and promote isolation.”

The campaign offers resources and tools to support patients in living with the disease, helping them feel more prepared, be proactive about health-related decisions, and maintain open conversations both with their environment and healthcare professionals.

“This campaign not only provides knowledge but also fosters a more open and empathetic environment, where patients can feel understood and supported, favoring better communication and, consequently, more comprehensive and aligned care with their real needs,” explains Dr. Aránzazu González del Alba, president of the Spanish Genitourinary Oncology Group (SOGUG) and coordinator of the Genitourinary Tumors Unit at the Medical Oncology Service of the Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda.

Esther Espinosa, Director of Communication and Patient Relations at Novartis Spain, points out that "it is fundamental to transform care in prostate cancer. Beyond clinical data, we must address the emotional, social, and care needs of patients. At Novartis, we believe that patients should feel accompanied, understood, and informed to be fully aware in managing their disease."