Stephen Fry urges prostate cancer patients to sign up for ‘groundbreaking’ data project that could improve treatment for the deadly disease

Actor and presenter Stephen Fry is calling on prostate cancer patients to sign up for a major new research initiative that could save thousands of lives.

The NHS has partnered with Prostate Cancer Research to give scientists access to health data as they look to transform patient care and treatment of the disease.

The charity’s Prostate Progress project is the first to be selected to take part in NHS England’s Data for Research and Development programme.

The initiative provides “safe and secure” access to the clinical data of prostate cancer patients who agree to participate, in addition to data the patients themselves enter, such as how they are feeling and the real-life effects of their cancer and treatment.

By combining the two datasets, researchers hope to gain unique insights into prostate cancer, helping them to learn more about the disease, develop new treatments and tests to improve diagnosis, monitor the safety of treatments and plan new NHS services.

Stephen Fry, 66, who previously underwent prostate cancer surgery, is keen to encourage others living with a diagnosis to join the project

The blue ribbon represents prostate cancer awareness. The Daily Mail has been campaigning for better diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer for over two decades.

Mr Fry, 66, who previously underwent prostate cancer surgery, is keen to encourage others with a similar diagnosis to get involved in the project.

He said: ‘Prostate Progress is a beacon of hope in the fight against prostate cancer, a disease that impacts countless lives worldwide.

‘By harnessing the power of our own health information, we empower researchers to gain essential insights that can lead to groundbreaking developments.

‘We can move the world closer to a future where this disease is no longer a threat, where early detection and effective, humane treatment save lives.

“I am excited to be part of Prostate Progress and urge others to join me.” Anyone who has recently or in the past been diagnosed with prostate cancer is encouraged to take part.

Approximately 52,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK, equating to 142 cases a day, making it the most common cancer in men.

Although survival rates have tripled over the past 50 years, projections suggest the number of men diagnosed each year in the UK could double by 2040.

The Daily Mail has been campaigning for better diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer for more than two decades.

Dr Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, said: ‘This unique collaboration with Prostate Cancer Research will deliver new insights into prostate cancer and improve care for patients.

Mr Fry said: ‘Prostate Progress represents a beacon of hope in the fight against prostate cancer, a disease that affects countless lives worldwide’

Dr Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, said: ‘This unique collaboration with Prostate Cancer Research will deliver new insights into prostate cancer and improve care for patients’

‘The NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network allows us to connect data and conduct research at a scale not previously possible, while still maintaining the highest levels of security.

‘Researchers will benefit from the rich picture emerging from both clinical data from the NHS and from information from patients who volunteer to take part and share their experiences.

‘I would encourage anyone who has had prostate cancer to sign up to Prostate Progress and help improve the lives of people with this disease.’ Oliver Kemp, Director of Prostate Cancer Research, said: ‘Prostate Progress gives patients back access to data so they can record and monitor the impact of prostate cancer on their daily lives.

“When we put patients at the center of research and merge the data they collect with clinical data, we have an enormously powerful impact.

‘It will be key to advancing scientific discovery and innovation to deliver tests and treatments that meet patient needs.

‘We are delighted to be partnering with NHS England and look forward to working with our NHS colleagues as we reap the promised benefits for patients and the NHS.

‘We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to the work done in designing and developing Prostate Progress, and in particular to the men with prostate cancer who generously gave their time and energy to support this groundbreaking initiative.’

Men can find out more about the initiative and sign up at www.ProstaatProgress.org