Abergele prostate cancer survivor calls for male incontinence bins

Raymond Starr, a 68-year-old retired civil servant, said that urinary incontinence, which can be a consequence of the surgery undertaken to treat prostate cancer, can feel “like a flowing tap”.

He was diagnosed with the cancer in 2017, before undergoing a radical prostatectomy, after which patients are fitted with a catheter which is later removed, often followed by urinary incontinence.

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The charity Prostate Cancer UK is leading the “Boys Need Bins” campaign, with Raymond saying that urinary incontinence can leave men feeling “embarrassed, stressed and isolated”.

Raymond said: “In some cases, it’s very severe. If someone has a radical prostatectomy, they’re fitted with a catheter. When that’s removed, in many cases, it’s just like a flowing tap. 

“You have no control of the bladder whatsoever. The prostate has been removed, so there’s a void there.

Raymond Starr (Image: Ceri Llwyd)

“That can go on for several weeks and months, or in some cases, it never corrects itself, so you get men having to wear these quite bulky pads.

“You feel embarrassed, stressed, isolated – there’s nowhere to get rid of these pads; you just can’t dispose of them.”

“We’re doing a big campaign to get a legal requirement to provide bins in men’s toilets, to remove the pad and dispose of them properly, and lead a normal life.

“A lot of men won’t go out because they think there’s nowhere to get rid of the pads. It can lead to irritation and depression, and can reduce their quality of life.”

Raymond Starr (Image: Ceri Llwyd)

Raymond urged Welsh Government to also “lead the way” with this campaign, given this is a devolved issue for the Senedd, rather than for Westminster.

Prostate Cancer UK added that one in eight men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime - one in four for black men.

Raymond said: “If you wear a pad, and urine leaks into them, you get skin irritation, they smell; it’s an awful situation. What do you do – carry it around in a bag? Throw it down a toilet? Put it in a litter bin?

“I would never wish prostate cancer on anyone, but there’s nothing worse than a leakage of urine. It’s so demoralising.

“You’re aware that you’re going to have that problem, but your mind is focused on the cancer at the time, so you don’t really realise what’s round the corner.

“If you sneeze, or get up out of the chair, there would be urine leakage. I can understand why some people think they won’t even walk down the street because of the problem.

“In some cases, the problem will exist for life, so some men will have to wear the pads for the rest of their lives.”

Raymond Starr (Image: Ceri Llwyd)

Nick Ridgman, head of health information and clinical support at Prostate Cancer UK, labelled the issue of male incontinence a “taboo” subject.

He added that the charity “won’t rest until we squash the stigma around this issue”.

Mr Ridgman said: “A man living with incontinence shouldn’t have to worry that he might have to carry around his own used pads when he’s out of the house, just because he can’t access a sanitary bin to dispose of it hygienically. 

“For the hundreds of thousands of men in the UK living with incontinence, this is their reality.

“Their lives are being limited by the taboo that surrounds male incontinence, and the anxiety caused by a lack of basic facilities in men’s toilets. 

“We’re sending a clear message to policy makers, workplaces, and businesses that men urgently need sanitary bins in their loos — just like there are in women’s toilets.

“I’m excited that real change is already happening across Wales and the rest of the UK, as our ‘Boys Need Bins’ campaign builds momentum. 

“Prostate Cancer UK is here to support everyone affected by the disease, including those living with incontinence.

“We won't rest until we squash the stigma around this issue, spark a national conversation, and ensure that bins are installed in every toilet across the UK.”

David Jones, MP for Clwyd West, offered his support to Raymond, one of his constituents.

Mr Jones said:” I can well understand Mr Starr's concern. He suffers from a distressing condition and the absence of bins simply adds to his stress.

“In Wales, this is a devolved issue for the Welsh government. However, as he points out, it is also a national issue.

“I am, therefore, tabling a question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, enquiring as to what consideration it has given to introducing a mandatory requirement to provide such bins.”

Likewise, Clwyd West MS, Darren Millar, said: "I have a great deal of sympathy for these calls so I will be raising it with ministers in the Senedd at the earliest opportunity."

Welsh Government has established an “All-Wales Continence Task and Finish Group” on the matter, bringing together clinicians from a variety of disciplines along with patient representatives, policy makers and other stakeholders.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Welsh Government has already introduced legislation to improve provision of and access to toilets for public use.

“In Wales, local authorities are legally required to produce local toilet strategies, and in doing so, they should take every opportunity to talk to the public and representative groups about the challenges they face in accessing local toilet facilities, listening to their concerns and delivering potential solutions.

“We have issued guidance to local authorities and this highlights that accessible toilets are more important for those with conditions such as incontinence, urgency and prostate problems.”