With the confirmation in tonight's episode (18th June 2015) that Dean and Shabnam's daughter Jade has cystic fibrosis, Oli Lewington, Engagement Director at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, explains how the trust worked with EastEnders on the storyline.
“Prostate cancer is a huge issue in the UK,” Karen told us. “It’s the most common cancer in men and it’s estimated that by 2030 it will be the most common of all cancers. When EastEnders first hit our screens 30 years ago, prostate cancer just wasn’t talked about. Storylines like Stan’s, which raise the public awareness of the issue help us break down one of the biggest taboos around men’s health.”
“We were really pleased to be asked to advise on the details around prostate cancer,” she continued. “It’s a complicated disease and we were conscious that there are many men out there who will have experienced at least some of what Stan’s going through. So it’s great the BBC have taken it so seriously.”
Talking about Stan’s refusal to accept ‘chemo’ treatment, Karen revealed that, “Everyone will make different choices about their treatment, based on their own experience, situation and preferences. Every treatment has its pros and cons and it is up to each person to weigh up all the options with their doctor or specialist nurse to make the right choice for them.”
As events unfold onscreen, it’s been clear that Stan has been very reluctant to share his secret with the Carter clan – until Aunt Babe takes matters out of his hands. “Stan’s decision to remain silent may seem extreme,” Karen admitted, “but discovering that a man has the disease can be hard to come to terms with, and that news is often difficult to share. Making decisions about diagnosis and treatment options at such an emotional time can be a struggle too.”
“It is crucial for people to get the information they need, and to feel they are not alone in this. It’s often helpful to talk things through with someone who has been in the same boat, which is why we have built our online community, and a network of men to provide ‘peer support’ across the UK, in addition to our Specialist nurses. Men really don’t need to go it alone – and we hope this storyline will urge them to reach out. I think EastEnders has done a fantastic job of presenting the real issues men face, whilst building a believable drama.”
Anyone with any concerns about prostate cancer should speak to their GP, or to one of Prostate Cancer UK’s specialist nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 (free to landlines and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays) or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org.
More details of organisations involved in the support and treatment of cancer sufferers can be found in the Health section of our Help and Information database.
