PROSTATE cancer sufferers in York are being invited to the first support group meeting in the city, which takes place at York District Hospital next month.

About 20,000 men a year in the United Kingdom are diagnosed with prostate cancer, which affects the walnut-sized gland in the urethra of men, and around 10,000 will die from the disease.

The disease mostly affects older men with a few sufferers in their 40s, mainly with family genetic links, higher incidence in the 50s to the point that most men in their 90s have some slow growing prostate tumour.

Symptoms include frequent need to urinate, especially at night, rushing to the toilet, pain or discomfort on passing urine and additionally lower back pain, pain in the pelvis, hips or thighs and impotence.

The Prostate Cancer Support Association (PSA) Yorkshire group is working with Mike Stower and his urology team in York to initiate a local support group, which will enable sufferers to discuss the condition, their treatment and its affect on their lives.

The first meeting will be on Monday, November 11, from 6pm to 7.30pm in the Lecture Theatre in the Postgraduate Medical Centre at York District Hospital.

A spokesman for the PSA said: "The effects of the disease and treatment on the lives of patients, carers and partners can be major.

"The younger the man the more aggressive treatment is the norm. This effect can be eased by sharing ideas and information with other sufferers, those close to them, professionals and interested people. As with most cancers it can, if caught early, be cured."

The meeting will be have a high level of informality and a chance for individual to chat over refreshments.

Those who wish to attend should telephone 01904 725972 and either speak to the PSA or leave a message.

Updated: 12:39 Monday, October 28, 2002