Urology Awareness Month encourages people to start talking about the signs and symptoms of disease

Posted: 15/09/2017

What is Urology Awareness Month?

September is Urology Awareness Month. Organised by The Urology Foundation, this campaign aims to raise awareness of urological diseases and conditions, as well as raise money in order to fund crucial research and training for practitioners dealing with these types of diseases.

Urology includes diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract in men and women. It also covers the male reproductive system. Urological conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent and include some of the most common serious diseases in the UK - such as prostate cancer, kidney damage and incontinence. Other diseases include bladder cancer, testicular cancer, kidney stones, interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections.

Why is it important?

One in two people in the UK will develop a urological condition in their lifetime, and over a third has no knowledge of what urology actually is. It is therefore vital to raise awareness of the nation’s urology health, as well as how urological conditions should be dealt with, to increase patient safety and save lives.

How can individuals be affected?

Problems with urological conditions have recently been brought into the public consciousness, particularly with the emergence of multiple claims from women around the world who have been affected by the use of vaginal mesh or transvaginal tape.

Mismanagement of urological conditions can have devastating consequences for many. Frankie Rhodes, an associate in the clinical negligence team at Penningtons Manches, said: “I recently settled a case where my client, who had been suffering from urinary incontinence, was treated inappropriately. She sought treatment privately but her doctor failed to obtain her fully informed consent to carry out the procedure. She also suffered from the discomfort of sutures used in the operation migrating into her bladder. As a result, her urinary incontinence continues and she remains in significant pain. She suffered recurrent urinary tract infections and had to undergo additional investigations and further surgery to remove the migrated material.

“Urology health is not only a concern for female adults. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in most developed countries, including the UK, and it is vital for this disease to be detected at an early stage. Urological conditions are more common than people perhaps think and appropriate management and treatment must be provided to minimise issues.”

How to get involved

Start talking
It is important to remove the stigma associated with so many urology conditions. If more people feel comfortable discussing their urology health problems and are aware of the signs and symptoms of urology disease, many more are likely to seek medical help when they need it.

Fundraise for The Urology Foundation
This is an essential part of raising awareness and helping to fund innovative urology research and specialist training for urologists and nurses. The foundation has started a ‘Big 5 Challenge’, where fundraisers are set the goal of raising over £500 in the month of September. The overall aim is to raise £60,000 to fund vital research into urology cancers.

Spread the word
Work with local communities and businesses to promote urology health, attend health and wellbeing talks and share information to ensure widespread awareness.

If you, a family member or a friend have any concerns regarding treatment you have received for a form of cancer, incontinence, or any other type of urological condition, please contact our specialist team who may be able to assist.

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