15 September 2015
It’s Urology Week: 14th-18th September 2015
This week is Urology Week which is an initiative of the
European Association of Urology that brings together national urological societies, urology practitioners, urology nurses and patient groups to create awareness of urological conditions among the general public. During an entire week, doctors, nurses and patient organisations help raise awareness for urological conditions through hosting lectures, tours and other events related to urology.
A highlight of this year’s event is European Prostate Awareness Day (EPAD) on Wednesday 16th September. During a full-day closed session, European specialists will engage with European Parliament Members to discuss prostate cancer, the European man’s main health concern.
Urology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the surgical and medical diseases of the male and female urinary tract system and the male reproductive organs.
The 2015 campaign focus on creating awareness on the three most common urological cancers: kidney, prostate and bladder cancer. A cancer diagnosis has profound effects on patients’ lives and the lives of their loved ones. Work and social life are disrupted, and work, financial and even legal issues become pressing. It is important to create awareness about the different possibilities for treatment and the support available for patients.
Want to get involved?
Doctors and Nurses - You can take part in Urology Week as an individual. You can use your profile as an urologist, a urology nurse, or a physician to reach out to (local) media. By submitting a piece, you can bring attention to the cause, appeal to readers and get people thinking. You could also take part in some sort of event (e.g: sports) in the name of Urology Week and prostate conditions.
National Society - You can help get your country’s urologists and urology nurses organised, and act as a hub for their efforts. In addition, your media ties can help you put out press releases about Urology Week on your or on your urologists’ behalf.
I'm not a Doctor - How Can I Help? - Addressing the general public and raising awareness is a large part of Urology Week. If you feel particularly inspired to contribute, you can always volunteer to help out any efforts in your local area. As a patient with a prostate condition, no-one can better understand the nature of your affliction. Don’t hesitate to talk to friends and family and share your battle with the disease. This can affect the way people look at prostate or urology conditions and also support other patients, letting them know they are not alone.
Please chceck this link for printable resources that help with working with the media and organising a local campaign.
Best wishes
Incontinence UK Team
www.incontinenceuk.co.uk
