An inaugural focus group of 16 plus patients, care-givers, family members and the public was held in December 2023 to discuss how prostate cancer diagnosis could be improved across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Feedback was also received by email and during an information meeting from three other people.

Discussions focused on the part of the cancer pathway from the point a GP referral is received by the hospital to diagnosis; although people highlighted important concerns about issues related to steps prior to a referral for diagnosis, and around treatment.

Three diagnostic pathway options were presented and people were asked their views on the pros and cons of each of them. They were also asked about what patient information would be useful to them at each part of the different pathways, and how and in what format they would like to receive it.

This report provides some key messages, as well as more detailed findings. These will be shared at a ‘Pan-Wessex Prostate Cancer Deep Dive’ workshop with clinical teams involved in improving how prostate cancer will be diagnosed across the area.

Published: May 2024