Two-thirds of men admit they felt better informed when purchasing their last car than when deciding on prostate cancer treatment, according to new research from GenesisCare UK. The study, released alongside a new podcast series by prostate cancer survivor and Bafta-winning comedy writer Jon Holmes, reveals a critical knowledge gap among patients.
Nearly half of men feel uninformed about treatment options
The research found that 47% of men do not feel fully informed about treatment options for prostate cancer. Many wrongly believe that surgery guarantees a cure, despite studies showing that between 16% and 46% of men who undergo prostate removal experience a recurrence of the disease. Jon Holmes, co-creator of Radio 4's Dead Ringers, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 at age 54. He opted for robotic surgery to remove his prostate, but later learned that cancer cells can remain in the prostate bed even after removal.
"I thought when you take out a prostate with cancer that hasn't spread and put it in the bin, the cancer also goes in the bin, right? Wrong!" Holmes said. He was told he needed continued PSA tests post-surgery "just in case any of the cells escaped."
Knowledge gaps driven by fear and embarrassment
The research identified key reasons for the knowledge gap: 45% of men felt overwhelmed, 36% were scared, 26% were embarrassed to ask questions, and 36% were confused due to lack of clear guidance. A staggering 92% of men admitted gaps in their knowledge about treatment. Holmes noted that information overload often sets in at diagnosis: "When they tell you you have cancer you just switch off. That's where the information overload starts because you're not even listening."
The Big C QuizCast aims to empower patients
In response, Holmes has teamed up with GenesisCare UK to launch The Big C QuizCast, a quiz-style podcast blending comedy with expert insight. The series aims to tackle myths around treatment and empower men to think beyond initial diagnosis. The campaign highlights newer treatments such as MRI-guided SABR (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy), which can offer high cure rates while preserving quality of life. Dr. Yae-eun Suh, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at GenesisCare UK, said: "Prostate cancer patients need to be aware that with modern radiotherapy techniques for early localised prostate cancer, cure rates are very high. We know from a large trial that the chance of PSA control after five years with stereotactic radiotherapy is very high at around 96%."
Radiotherapy may offer better sexual function outcomes
Dr. Suh added: "When I discuss treatment options with patients, I always tell them to explore what the most important thing is to them. If it's sexual function, then we know from multiple trials that radiotherapy is better for sexual function than surgery." Holmes, now 56, credits Stephen Fry with saving his life after seeing an advert featuring Fry that prompted him to contact his GP. His doctor agreed to a PSA test after Holmes mentioned he was adopted and unaware of his family history. The test revealed raised PSA levels, leading to an MRI, biopsy, and ultimately a full prostatectomy.
Holmes' top tips for men
Holmes advises: white men over 50 and black men over 45 should get tested regularly; insist on a test if your GP is reluctant; ask questions at diagnosis; listen to his podcast for information; and talk openly with friends and family. "It's a stereotype really but men often just don't talk or think about these things," he said. "That's why I wanted to talk about cancer in as humorous a way as possible, to remove the stigma around it."
Holmes' previous podcast, Jon Holmes Says The C-Word, featured guests including comedians Mark Steel and Richard Herring, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, and journalists Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Since that series, Holmes has received emails from men saying the podcast prompted them to get tested, with some reporting positive results. He hopes the new series will have a similar impact.
