Prostate Cancer UK has announced a significant two-year partnership with the UK’s leading hygiene services provider, phs Group, to advance their joint campaign, Dispose with Dignity. This collaboration seeks to improve support for prostate cancer patients and address the lack of sanitary bins in men’s public and workplace toilets.
Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among men in the UK, with over 52,000 new diagnoses each year. One in eight men, and one in four Black men, will face this diagnosis during their lives. The new partnership with phs Group, which manages hygiene services for around 300,000 locations across the UK, Ireland, and Spain, represents one of Prostate Cancer UK’s most significant corporate alliances to date.
Matthew Brabin, CEO of phs Group, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “The average employee at phs Group is a 44-year-old male. Supporting Prostate Cancer UK aligns with our mission to put people at the centre of our services. This partnership not only aids in critical research but also addresses the pressing issue of male incontinence.”
Brabin pointed out that incontinence management is a crucial aspect of prostate cancer treatment, noting that many men face challenges due to the absence of appropriate disposal facilities. He remarked, “Our initial work with Prostate Cancer UK was a pivotal moment in breaking the silence around male incontinence.”
The collaboration comes after the successful launch of the Dispose with Dignity campaign, which has already made notable strides in raising awareness about male incontinence. The campaign has garnered support from MPs and led to the introduction of sanitary bins in men’s toilets at major UK businesses, including motorway services provider Moto and welfare provider Garic.
Chiara de Biase, Director of Support & Influencing at Prostate Cancer UK, emphasised the campaign’s impact, stating, “Men living with incontinence deserve the freedom to manage their condition without undue stress or embarrassment. Despite a third of men over 65 experiencing incontinence, many suffer in silence due to a lack of appropriate facilities. Our partnership with phs Group will help us to continue making progress on this front.”
Recent research has highlighted the extent of the issue. A whitepaper released earlier this year revealed that over half of UK men experience urinary incontinence, with symptoms appearing as early as 18-25 years of age. Moreover, 20% of men with incontinence report difficulties finding suitable disposal facilities in public restrooms, underscoring the urgent need for change.
As part of their partnership, Prostate Cancer UK and phs Group have developed a new, dedicated male sanitary bin designed to be installed in all public and workplace washrooms. This initiative aims to ensure that men have access to essential hygiene facilities and can dispose of incontinence products with dignity.
The partnership also promises to enhance internal engagement within both organisations. de Biase noted, “This collaboration will also foster greater interaction between our teams, providing opportunities for staff at both Prostate Cancer UK and phs Group to support fundraising events and engage in discussions about men’s health.”
Phil Reeves, 64, from East Leake, Nottinghamshire, has shared his personal experience with incontinence following prostate cancer surgery. He expressed hope that the new partnership will lead to widespread improvements in facilities, saying, “Dealing with incontinence was extremely difficult, and the lack of suitable disposal bins made it even harder. I’m optimistic that this partnership will drive positive change and help others in similar situations.”
Similarly, Nigel Rowland from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2022, echoed these sentiments. He highlighted the emotional toll of incontinence, stating, “Having proper sanitary bins in men’s toilets would alleviate a lot of the stress and shame associated with managing incontinence. It’s encouraging to see that more men are talking openly about this issue and advocating for better facilities.”
For more information about the Dispose with Dignity campaign, visit www.phs.co.uk/equality/male-incontinence.