Prostate Cancer – Project report – Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Healthwatch in Greater Manchester, led by Healthwatch Bury, launched a research project in September 2025 to understand the experiences, needs, and barriers faced by men affected by prostate cancer across the region.
The project was developed in response to growing concern about men’s health inequalities, delays in diagnosis, and low awareness of prostate cancer risks. Healthwatch England has also highlighted this issue at a national level, reinforcing the importance of local research into early detection and support.
The aim of the project was to gather insights from men across all 10 Greater Manchester localities to help improve information, testing pathways, aftercare, and overall support. The findings will inform local NHS services, commissioners, voluntary organisations, and Prostate Cancer UK.
The findings highlight several important opportunities for improvement. In particular:
- Awareness remains low, with 53% of respondents reporting no symptoms prior to diagnosis
- Diagnosis pathways are inconsistent, often relying on chance or patient persistence rather than proactive approaches
- Almost half of respondents (49%) reported receiving no follow-up support after treatment
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Prostate Cancer Project Report - Healthwatch in Greater Manchester