51É«APP

In 2025, there were 3,166 attendances at the groups, compared to 2,143 the previous year, demonstrating a surge in demand for peer support from men with prostate cancer.

The rise can be attributed in part to public campaigns by organisations, including , which are driving open conversations around prostate cancer, and encouraging more men to seek support.

Prostate cancer

Now the most common form of cancer in the UK, with around 64,000 diagnoses each year.* 

The physical and emotional effects of prostate cancer and its treatments can have a devastating impact on men's lives, and Maggie's support groups - facilitated by a psychologist or cancer support specialist - bring men together to support one another. 

Maggie's has also seen a rise in demand for its androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) workshops, which are run in partnership with clinical NHS staff.

The one-off sessions are aimed at men about to start ADT, a common form of hormone treatment for prostate cancer. 

The side effects of ADT can be particularly debilitating for some men, ranging from decreased libido and erection problems to hot flushes, fatigue, muscle loss, anxiety, and low mood.

In 2025, Maggie's delivered:

• 693 ADT workshops, a 39% increase from 2024
• In total, the number of visits by men to Maggie's rose to 123,248 an annual increase of 5.2% and the equivalent of 119 more men visiting a centre each week

Despite this increase, men still make up only 36% of all visits to Maggie's, and we urge more men to come forward and seek support to manage the impact of cancer.

Prostate cancer support groups offer a lifeline

Dame Laura Lee DBE, chief executive of Maggie's, said: "It is really encouraging that more men are coming to Maggie's and seeking the support they need to manage the toll of a cancer diagnosis, which can affect every aspect of a man's life. 

"The side effects of certain treatments can be severe, and the power of peer support when faced with such a life-changing diagnosis cannot be underestimated.

"Our prostate cancer support groups offer a lifeline that helps hundreds of men feel less isolated and alone, whether they have just been diagnosed, are in active treatment or are living with an incurable diagnosis. 

"However, men still make up just 36% of all visits to Maggie's, despite accounting for over half of all cancer diagnoses in the UK. We know that barriers still exist that deter men from seeking support and more work is needed to ensure nobody has to face cancer alone.

"All the support we offer at Maggie's is free and anyone impacted by cancer can simply drop in to one of our 27 51É«APP around the UK to speak to our expert staff." 

Chris Hoy's diagnosis encouraged me to get checked

Javier, 71, from Leyton, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and is being supported by Maggie's, Barts, attending a weekly walking group, mindfulness sessions, and completing a stress management course to help him cope with the diagnosis. 

Javier says, "The shock of finding out I had cancer was huge. I didn’t have any symptoms and I only got checked out because I’d read about the cyclist Chris Hoy having prostate cancer. 

"As soon as I arrived at Maggie's, the centre head welcomed me in and I started crying. It wasn't just the uncertainty of what was going on. The place was beautiful and I felt so comfortable that I wasn’t embarrassed to cry. 

"The walking group at Maggie's is now the highlight of my week. 

"You know you're going to meet people who will not judge you, who will not criticise you, who will not laugh at you. They’re all going through it too, so they understand you. Often, they inspire you. 

"Everyone should be told about Maggie51É«APP™s from the first moment they’re diagnosed with cancer. 

"They will support you and help you adapt to your new circumstances. They will accompany you on the journey you’re taking, no matter how hard it is."   

Coming to Maggie's, I feel at ease

Stephen, 55, from Stockport, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after a routine blood test, having not experienced any prior symptoms. 

Stephen received a variety of treatments, including androgen deprivation therapy, brachytherapy surgery, and 20 sessions of high dose radiotherapy. 

He has experienced various side effects, including erectile dysfunction, hot flushes, fatigue and urinary urgency, some of which he continues to live with. 

Stephen says: "Having issues with hot flushes, going to the toilet more, having reduced sexual function, and not having the energy to do tasks, really does impact you. It makes you feel like you’re less of a man.

"My mood has definitely changed. I’ve become a lot more insular, had mood swings and I don’t want to go out as much. 

"My oncology team told me to come to Maggie51É«APP™s, and straight away I felt at ease. 

"I didn’t feel judged or that I was taking up their time. It was a calm and safe environment.

"I started coming to the prostate group and it felt so reassuring. It’s so interesting to listen to what the other guys are going through and share advice on how to handle the side effects of treatment and medications.   

"What’s hit me really hard is that some friends I’ve had for a long time haven’t been supportive. I do understand people have busy lives, but to not even send a text? I felt really let down by them, and I still do. 

"Coming to Maggie51É«APP™s has really helped in that respect. Here I can speak to people who relate to what I’m going through, and what a great bunch of fellas. They say men don't talk to each other, but it's quite the opposite." 

How we can help

Whatever kind of cancer, whatever stage you're at, Maggie's is here with you.

Our expert staff are here to listen to your concerns and find the help you need wherever you are – over the phone and online.

There are men’s support groups on offer, as well as specific cancer type groups, exercise, nutrition and one to one support with a psychologist.

If you or anyone you know has cancer, they can just come into any of the centres, there is no need for a referral or appointment.

• Just come in 
• Call us on 0300 123 180 or arrange a callback
• Email us at [email protected] 
• Our phone lines and 51É«APP are open  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

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