Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., in partnership with the Every Moment Matters Steering Committee, today announce results from a new survey of men living with prostate cancer across Europe. The Every Voice Matters survey, which is the first and largest of its kind, provides an in-depth analysis and personal insight into the lives of 668 men living with the condition. The results coincide with the 30th European Association of Urology (EAU) 2015 congress in Madrid.

Of the men surveyed, 75% (n=501) had localised prostate cancer at diagnosis, 17% (n=114) had locally advanced disease and 6% (n=40) had metastatic prostate cancer.

'What Matters Most'? Day-to-day living

When asked what matters most since being diagnosed with prostate cancer, nearly 1 in 2 (47%, n=314) men highlight the importance of maintaining a good quality of life, living life to the full and being able to spend quality time with family and friends. These are more important than 'being cured' (19%, n=127).1

40% (n=27/67) of men with advanced prostate cancer agreed that their quality of life had improved with treatment. However, of those men with advanced prostate cancer who had also experienced bone pain, nearly 2 in 5 (38%, n=16/43) are no longer able to complete day-to-day activities such as shopping and walking due to their pain, and nearly a quarter (24%, n=10/43) live with pain that they feel is not manageable.1

Contributing to society

Beyond family, feeling well enough to be able to contribute to society is important for men with advanced prostate cancer. Amongst men aged between 35-54 years old who are currently taking medication, one third (33%, n=14/43) say they sometimes feel too unwell to go to work. However, nearly half (46%, n=307) of all survey respondents want to continue working as much as possible.1

"For the thousands of men each year who are diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, keeping well throughout treatment, both physically and physiologically, is an important factor in treatment success," commented Dr Heather Payne, Consultant in Clinical Oncology at University College Hospital, London, UK. "Improvements in medicines and the advent of newer hormonal therapies mean patients can not only live longer with prostate cancer, but also maintain their quality of life, enabling them to enjoy time with their family and friends. The Every Moment Matters Steering Committee is calling for patients to have the confidence to discuss all aspects of disease impact with their doctors, including quality of life, to encourage more informed treatment discussions."

Not the end of intimacy

Whilst over half (58%, n=387) of men feel they have lost some of their masculinity, over two thirds (67%, n=448) feel closer to their partner since their diagnosis.1

"This study shows that men with prostate cancer value being able to live life to the full, and this means being able to continue to work, continuing with hobbies or spending time with loved ones. It is critical that healthcare professionals treat every patient as an individual and take the time to discuss the different treatment options available to agree the best possible treatment plan. By involving patients in treatment decisions and understanding what matters most to them, we can work together to improve quality of life for them and their families," commented Ken Mastris, Chairman and Board Member of Europa Uomo.

The role of healthcare professionals

Overall, men with prostate cancer feel that communication with their doctor is strong, with 81% (n=541) receiving information about the stage of their disease and treatment options from their doctors and over three quarters (77%, n=514) agreeing they felt well-informed about the disease. However, there is still a reliance on doctors making treatment choices across Europe, with over a quarter (28%, n=187) of men feeling unable to influence their treatment choice with their doctor.1

Introducing the Every Moment Matters programme

The Every Voice Matters survey forms part of the Every Moment Matters programme, which was launched on 22 March by expert clinicians and patient group representatives at the EAU 2015 congress in Madrid. The programme aims to raise the profile of advanced prostate cancer across Europe, with a focus on a patient's holistic well-being during therapeutic decision-making to optimise patient outcomes. The Every Moment Matters Steering Committee will work collaboratively to encourage greater priority given to the disease.

The Every Moment Matters website, www.everymomentmatters.eu hosts information on advanced prostate cancer, further results from the Every Voice Matters pan- European survey and four short films of men living with advanced prostate cancer around Europe discussing 'What Matters Most' to them.

Astellas is committed to enhancing the lives of those impacted by cancer across Europe through targeted treatments and support solutions. Through programmes such as Every Moment Matters, Astellas aims to fulfil the company's promise to change tomorrow for patients suffering with conditions such as prostate cancer.

About Every Voice Matters

Every Voice Matters is a pan-European patient survey of men with advanced prostate cancer. The survey was designed by the Every Moment Matters Steering Committee, in partnership with Astellas, to determine unmet needs in the current care and management of patients across Europe living with prostate cancer, from the patients' perspective.

The survey comprised of an online questionnaire and was completed by 668 men with a median age of 65-74 diagnosed with prostate cancer at varying stages. The survey included closed questions and Likert rating scales to determine respondents' level of agreement/disagreement to a number of predetermined statements. The closed questions were supplemented by a selection of open-ended questions to gain further insight around attitudes and experience of the men surveyed. The survey ran through September and December 2014 and included patients from the UK, the Republic of Ireland, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Of the men surveyed, 75% (n=501) had localised prostate cancer at diagnosis, 17% (n=114) had locally advanced disease and 6% (n=40) had metastatic prostate cancer. At the time of the survey completion, 2% had metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), 8% had advanced/metastatic prostate cancer, 8% had locally advanced prostate cancer, 25% had localised prostate cancer, and 54% were in remission.1