The Importance of Opening up Conversations on Sexual Wellbeing

Sophie began her nursing career in a busy 32-bed urology ward at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, later becoming a Prostate Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist. Her role included attending diagnosis clinics, working with MDT, and managing prostatectomy patients. She led nurse-run clinics, monitored PSA, and provided care for continence and erectile dysfunction, while also setting up a pre-treatment surgery school. Passionate about service development, she introduced a risk-stratified follow-up approach with a telephone clinic for low-risk patients. When her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer and became her patient, Sophie felt the need to do more. She joined Prostate Cancer UK as a Specialist Nurse, leaving Addenbrookes after 19 years. For over seven years, she has supported men with prostate cancer, primarily via phone, and in her role as a Senior Nurse, she helped launch the Sexual Support Service, WhatsApp Service, and Risk Information Service. Media-trained, Sophie enjoys sharing her knowledge with both healthcare professionals and patients.

Deidre is a Specialist Nurse at Prostate Cancer UK, providing information and support to people affected by prostate cancer and benign prostate conditions. With a degree in Urology Nursing, she previously worked as a urology nurse before joining the charity. Passionate about helping men live well with cancer, Deidre has a special interest in supporting patients in managing treatment side effects. To enhance her expertise, she recently completed a Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy with the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology, enabling her to provide better support for men experiencing sexual difficulties after diagnosis and treatment.