The Prostate Cancer Charity's information leaflets have never been more needed as latest research shows that 95% of Asians would like information on cancer in their own language. A new report based on research by Dr Paul Symonds, Oncology Department, Leicester Royal Infirmary, highlights the lack of support and information for Asian communities, despite Asian diagnosis of prostate cancer being on the increase.

Then new research identifies that 50% of Asian men want information in leaflet form. It also raises the importance of face to face discussion with a bilingual expert about cancer diagnosis or illness. The study coincides with the anniversary of The Prostate Cancer Charity's translation of its popular information booklets 'The Prostate Gland Owners Manual' and 'The Works', which have been made available on their website and downloaded by over 2,500 people in their search for vital information. The booklets are available in Urdu, Gujerati, Arabic, Punjabi, Bengali, Cantonese and Hindi. The most popular language has been Urdu.

The Charity produces a wide range of prostate cancer information including a detailed 'Toolkit' information pack focusing on all aspects of prostate cancer and 'Men Talk' a tape compiled by seven men with prostate cancer discussing their experiences. It is hoped all these will eventually be translated for ethnic minorities and men who are visually impaired. Shaun O'Leary, Director of Operations for The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "A year on, we're pleased to see that the translations are proving so popular. Research like that carried out by Leicester Royal Infirmary is yet another demonstration of the need for better information resources for the Asian community and indeed the Ethnic community at large."

Dr Paul Symonds, from the Department of Oncology at Leicester Royal Infirmary, said: "Cancer is becoming an ever more important health problem for British Asians. Our report illustrates that people cope better with cancer when they have access to authoritative information tailored to their needs but there is no substitute for a two way conversation where Asian people can ask questions in their own language about their own health."

The Prostate Cancer Charity's leaflet translations or this service provision, please visit www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/learn/library/publications.asp.

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