FOPS, Friends of Prostate Sufferers

Bob Arthy talks to Chorleywood Magazine about the much needed and very active support group that is FOPS.

What is FOPS?
The name sums it up – we are Friends of Prostate Sufferers, although it’s actually a support group for sufferers, friends and families of men with the disease and our aim is to raise of awareness of the silent killer. FOPS is based in Chorleywood and we meet monthly at The Bedford Arms, Chenies.
What was the thinking behind FOPS?
A group of friends who had come through prostate cancer treatment wanted to work together to help others get their lives back together and to raise awareness in men, especially those who never visit the doctor.
What goes on in the group?
We meet regularly and run fund raising events, but most of all we provide a sounding board for other men in the area who are experiencing the same problems we have encountered.
Does FOPS have any part in the Movember campaign.
The Movember Foundation is a fund raising moustache growing event held every November that is specifically linked to The Prostate Cancer Charity. We are not associated with this although some of our members took part. I couldn’t as I already have substantial hair growing permanently on my upper lip!
What do people need to know about the disease?
It is a silent killer – the devil’s disease. Every hour of every day of every year, a man dies of it but if it is caught early enough it can be treated successfully. Men over 50 yrs, especially those with poor urine flow, should request a regular PSA (blood) test with their GP as a safeguard. It is highly unlikely that there will be a problem as usually the prostate has simply become enlarged as a result of age
What can women do?
Encourage their men folk – husband, boyfriends, brothers and sons to be aware, visit the doctor if they are concerned