Problem:
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant cancer in men in Latvia (SPKC 2017).
Moreover, it affects an increasing number of younger men. After prostate cancer surgery, there can be side effects that may lead to sexual function disorders. As a result, there is a high likelihood that the man’s quality of life will significantly deteriorate:
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80% are no longer able to engage in activities that brought them joy and pleasure before the illness.
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54% of prostate cancer patients are more concerned about intimate relationships than about death (36%);
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85% are unable to have intimate relations with their partner since learning about the diagnosis.
(European Commission. CORDIS Express: Prostate cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment 2015 / EUCAN, Prostate cancer: evaluated Incidence, mortality, and prevalence 2012.)
The benefits for the state and society of improving men's sexual health cover both social and economic areas:
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It improves a man's work capacity and productivity both in the workplace and in public life, as well as his ability to provide for his family.
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It promotes stable relationships and emotional balance within the family, reducing the number of divorced families and providing children with the opportunity to grow up with both parents.
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It strengthens self-esteem and encourages more active participation in society – promoting social integration.
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It reduces healthcare costs and the workload of medical personnel.
Solution for improving quality of life:
If a man suffers from erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer surgery, penile reconstruction can significantly improve his quality of life.
Communication Objective:
To raise awareness of the issue and bring it to the broader public's attention in order to support the oncology support organization Dzīvības koks, which is initiating a discussion to urge the Ministry of Health to include state funding for penile reconstruction for prostate cancer patients.
Target Audience:
Every adult, as this can affect any man – father, husband, brother, friend, colleague, etc.
Communication Message:
Let’s give men the opportunity to live, not just survive!
We urge you to support the quality of life for men by voting for the state to provide funding for penile reconstruction surgery.
Idea:
If something isn’t working, it needs to be fixed. Especially if it can be fixed.
Result:
In the first three months of the campaign, nearly 17% of the required 10,000 votes were collected. Additionally, the campaign created a background that helped the association initiate the discussion of this issue with the responsible institutions.
Communication Channels:
OOH, DOOH, oncology patient support association Dzīvības koks: website, social media.
