Maggie’s launches support programme for men facing prostate cancer hormone therapy

Men in Oldham and across the UK undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer now have access to expert help tackling the gruelling side effects, thanks to a new initiative from leading cancer support charity Maggie’s.

Maggie’s, which runs 24 centres nationwide, has introduced a pioneering programme of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) workshops. These workshops are specifically designed to support men undergoing hormone treatment by providing information, guidance, and emotional support to manage the often challenging physical and psychological effects.

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer, while effective in slowing the disease, can cause a range of distressing side effects. These may include hot flushes, fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and changes in physical appearance such as muscle loss and breast enlargement. Maggie’s ADT workshops aim to help participants understand these side effects, prepare for them, and learn strategies to manage them more effectively.

The sessions include lifestyle advice tailored to those on hormone therapy, covering topics such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellbeing. Alongside practical support, the workshops also provide a crucial sense of community. By connecting with others going through similar experiences, attendees often find relief from isolation and a boost in morale.

The sessions are facilitated by Maggie’s expert cancer support specialists, often in collaboration with oncology teams from partner hospitals. Currently, the workshops are already running at several major cancer centres, including the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith, St James's University Hospital in Leeds, and Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Dame Laura Lee DBE, chief executive of Maggie’s, said: “When men come to Maggie’s, many feel unprepared to deal with the side effects of hormone therapy that is commonly used to treat prostate cancer. 

“Androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT, can lead to fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and changes in sexual function, and men can be left feeling confused and isolated, placing a significant emotional and physical burden on the person with cancer and those close to them. 

 “Our androgen support sessions are delivered in partnership with local hospitals and help men understand these side effects and develop strategies to better manage them, and encourage men to talk openly about what they’re experiencing. 

 “Maggie’s is a space where men can get practical information and emotional support from professionals and meet other going through the same thing. If you, a friend or family member have any questions about hormone therapy or just want to talk, drop into your local Maggie’s centre." 

Phil Villiers, from Totton Hampshire, is 72 years old and living with advanced prostate cancer. Following a number of different treatments over the last six years, he is now receiving ongoing hormone therapy.  

He shares the impact of his treatment side effects and the importance of attending the advanced prostate cancer support group at Maggie's.  

“With incontinence, I wear a pad discretely to stop any leakages, and I’m pleased to say I have managed to keep control of things. 

“The biggest one was obviously losing my sexual functions, that took a while to get over and I did get quite depressed about it. Being a man, there was this feeling of, ‘oh dear, I’m not the man I was’. 

“It’s been 6 years since I last had sex. At the time it was a really big thing, and it took me two or three years to get over it, but my wife and I have moved on. Time is a great healer. 

“My wife has been amazing. It has been a big deal for both of us, but we love each other and not having sex doesn’t mean we don’t still love each other.”