Chai Responds to Record Demand with 120% Rise in Prostate Cancer Support

New figures reveal all-time high in sessions as more men turn to Chai for comprehensive care

Chai Cancer Care, the UK’s leading Jewish cancer support organisation, has seen a 120% surge in demand for prostate cancer support over the past four years. As cases continue to rise nationwide, more men than ever are turning to Chai for all-round emotional and practical care.

New figures, released this week, show that Chai has seen a dramatic surge in clients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Between March 2020 and February 2021, the charity facilitated 427 support sessions for individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. By 2023-24, this number had more than doubled to 916 sessions, a 114% increase, and in the most recent year, March 2024 to February 2025, it rose further to 938 sessions, marking a 120% overall rise since 2020-21.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in England, with one in eight men diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. The risks and symptoms has been highlighted by public figures such columnist Giles Coren and broadcaster Stephen Fry, who have spoken out about their own experiences and encouraged men to seek support. Recent calls for a UK national screening programme, supported by advances in diagnostics and fewer false positives, are helping to drive awareness and encourage earlier detection.

The surge in cases underscores the rising prevalence of prostate cancer and the growing demand for Chai’s vital support services, including: counselling, reflexology and pelvic floor physiotherapy – which leads to the strengthening of muscles and has been hailed as life-changing by clients.

Chai is also responding to the growing need for BRCA-related support. The BRCA gene mutation, more common in the Jewish community, increases the risk of a prostate cancer diagnosis by 25%. Chai provides counselling, genetic guidance, and emotional support for those affected.

Graham*, in his 50s, tested positive for the faulty gene after his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021. Married with three children in their 20s, Graham joined the Chai support group for BRCA-positive carriers. He says: “My dad’s prostate cancer diagnosis prompted the oncologist to suggest it was time I got tested – and I did, without hesitation. The letter confirming I was BRCA1-positive arrived six weeks later, on my birthday. It was devastating news, but 98% of my worry is about my children.”

He adds: “I joined the support group to talk through my anxieties and hear others’ perspectives. Family dynamics change when you’re BRCA-positive … I put myself in my son’s shoes – at what point would he tell a girlfriend if he was BRCA-positive? Do you tell your friends? In the group, we shared information and encouraged each other.”

Victoria Portnoi, Chief Executive of Chai Cancer Care, said: “The rising demand for prostate cancer support highlights the urgent need for all-encompassing care. Prostate cancer aff ects not just individuals but entire families, and at Chai, we provide a range of services to support them through every stage. With growing national calls for a screening programme and improvements in diagnostics offering fewer false positives, awareness is increasing – and so too is the need for tailored, compassionate support. These figures reflect the trust our community places in us and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.”

*Name has been changed due to client confidentiality.