Prostate Scotland has published its COMPASS Impact Report 2020-2024, providing a detailed account of how its support services are improving outcomes for men living with prostate cancer across Scotland.
Developed to complement care provided by clinical teams, COMPASS helps men and their families navigate the challenges of a prostate cancer diagnosis through tailored programmes, peer support, and practical tools
The Living Well with Prostate Cancer course (LWwPC) is a free, six-week programme open to men across Scotland who are undergoing, or have completed, prostate cancer treatment. It provides support, expert advice, and peer-to-peer sharing on managing side effects such as fatigue, urinary issues, and erectile dysfunction. The course also creates space to discuss practical aspects of living with the condition, including diet, finances, and emotional wellbeing. It offers a supportive environment to learn coping strategies and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Since its launch, LWwPC has delivered 45 courses, supporting over 340 men in partnership with Maggie’s and Ayrshire Cancer Support. Independent evaluation by the University of Dundee found that the programme fills an important gap in support, particularly around managing side effects, relationships, and finances – areas that often fall outside the scope of routine clinical care. COMPASS is designed to complement NHS services, offering men additional practical and emotional support alongside their treatment.
Prostate Football Fans in Training (Prostate FFIT) is a free 13-week health and wellbeing programme that has been developed in line with NICE guidelines that recommend structured exercise for men with prostate cancer on hormone therapy. It was created by Prostate Scotland in partnership with the SPFL Trust, the University of Glasgow Health and Wellbeing Institute, and The Exercise Clinic, alongside clinicians and men living with prostate cancer.
Since 2023, over 130 participants have taken part in seven programmes delivered through the Community Trusts at Heart of Midlothian FC, Rangers FC, Kilmarnock FC, St Johnstone FC, Aberdeen FC, and Dundee FC.
Sessions include gentle aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises designed to reduce the side effects of treatment. Participants consistently report a wide range of benefits, including feeling fitter and less tired, increased confidence with exercise, making simple but effective changes to diet, improvements in BMI and blood pressure, needing less pain medication, better mental health and a lift in mood, and a strong sense of camaraderie and lasting friendships.
Overall, 98% of participants rated Prostate FFIT as extremely or very worthwhile. In addition, 76% reported that their mental health had improved slightly or significantly over the past year, demonstrating the programme’s impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing.
The Navigator App has also become a valued tool, supporting more than 560 men, including 261 “very active” users. It offers treatment decision-making support, symptom tracking and medication recording, providing men and clinicians with a practical resource to aid ongoing management.
Finally, one-to-one support is provided in partnership with some Maggie’s Centres, giving men and their families access to personalised guidance and advice, helping them manage the realities of prostate cancer.
Patient experience
The report also shares the story of Owen, diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2021. Initially isolated and struggling with side effects from hormone therapy and radiotherapy, Owen was referred by his urology team to COMPASS programmes. He described the Living Well with Prostate Cancer course and Prostate FFIT as a “turning point,” reporting life-changing improvements in fitness, pain management, and mental health. He is now medication-free, active in his community, and supporting others.
Bridging care and recovery
Feedback from men highlights that COMPASS strengthens the continuity of care by supporting aspects of recovery that extend beyond hospital treatment. As one participant put it: “It’s providing support in areas busy clinical teams aren’t able to cover.”
Elaine Stewart, COMPASS Services and Development Manager at Prostate Scotland, said:
“It’s an absolute privilege to run the COMPASS project, watching the connections and friendships develop during the programmes. Men tell us they feel fitter, less tired, more confident, and better able to manage their side effects. We’ve seen improvements in BMI, blood pressure and mental wellbeing, as well as strong camaraderie that continues long after the courses finish. COMPASS has become a trusted resource alongside clinical care, supporting men to live well with prostate cancer.”
Dame Laura Lee DBE, Chief Executive of Maggie’s, said:
“COMPASS is an invaluable resource for men living with prostate cancer in Scotland. It clearly outlines what support is available and where to find it, including the Living Well with Prostate Cancer course which we deliver in partnership with Prostate Scotland at our centres. We know what a difference it makes to the lives of men with prostate cancer and think it is a great example of organisations working together to ensure the right interventions are in place to help people when they need it most.”
Looking ahead
In 2025, COMPASS is expanding further:
- Prostate FFIT courses have recently started running at the community trusts of Aberdeen FC and Kilmarnock FC in September. Earlier in the year, programmes also ran at both clubs in January and at Dundee FC for the first time in May.
- Living Well with Prostate Cancer (LWwPC) courses are ongoing at all eight Maggie’s Centres and with Ayrshire Cancer Support.
- Following feedback, LWwPC course content is being developed further to address sexual wellbeing and nutrition – key concerns raised by men during and after treatment.
- The programme has been recognised externally, with NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Urology Team nominated for an Ayrshire Achieves award for Collaboration and Working Together due to their partnership with Prostate Scotland’s COMPASS project.
Call to action for clinicians
Prostate Scotland is encouraging urology nurses, consultants and cancer care teams to consider referring men who may benefit from COMPASS programmes, particularly those on hormone therapy or experiencing challenges in recovery.
Copies of the COMPASS Impact Report 2020–2024 and patient information leaflets can be downloaded from Prostate Scotland’s website. The site also includes symptom checkers, awareness information and resources that can be shared with patients – both for those newly diagnosed and for those already in treatment – alongside details of support services and how to get involved.
The COMPASS project is currently funded to run until the end of 2026, and Prostate Scotland is actively fundraising and planning to ensure this cornerstone support service can continue to be available to men across Scotland for many years to come.
For referrals, printed literature requests or further information, please contact:
Elaine Stewart, COMPASS Services and Development Manager
elaine.stewart@prostatescotland.org.uk / 07709 244718
Elaine Stewart, COMPASS Services and Development Manager, with former Prostate FFIT participants at from Pittodrie. The group, who completed the programme in December 2024 and have kept in touch ever since, took part in the Aberdeen Kiltwalk to give back to Prostate Scotland in thanks for the support they received.
