About Us

Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) is a long-term side-effect (‘late effect’) of pelvic radiotherapy treatment affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK. People affected by PRD often have a complex set of symptoms affecting the bowel, bladder, sexual function or other functions for many years after radiotherapy, sometimes only appearing several years after radiotherapy treatment

PRDA is a small UK charity whose objectives are to see that the effects of PRD are minimised, that people affected by PRD are given the best possible care and treatment, and that PRD is accepted as a serious problem and given the attention it deserves.

PRDA aims to have an impact by:

• Providing and facilitating direct support and information to people affected by, or at risk of, pelvic radiation disease (PRD);
• Providing a voice for people affected by PRD;
• Influencing decision-makers to achieve adequate, dedicated funding for PRD services across the UK;
• Working with charity, professional organisations, NHS and other partners to improve health and social services for people affected by PRD;
• Working with charity and professional organisation partners to improve professional awareness and education on the prevention and treatment of PRD;
• Influencing research and trials that address issues related to PRD.

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association’s Vision is:

1. That the long-term effects of pelvic radiotherapy are prevented, predicted or minimised;
2. That people affected by Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) are diagnosed, fully supported and given the best possible care and treatment to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life;
3. That Pelvic Radiation Disease is widely accepted as a serious consequence of cancer treatment that requires focused research and education.

In 2008, a small group of patients at London’s Royal Marsden were being treated for gastrointestinal problems resulting from radiotherapy to the pelvic region. Under the guidance of Dr Jervoise Andreyev, Consultant Gastroenterologist in Pelvic Radiation Disease at the Royal Marsden, Chelsea, they formed an informal group in order to share their experiences and offer each other support.

Through word of mouth and distribution of printed material, a significant number of people came forward to attend support meetings and keynote talks given by specialists in the field of pelvic radiation injury, and it quickly became apparent that there is a large number of cancer patients throughout the UK suffering from the unpleasant and isolating symptoms of radiation induced pelvic injury, for whom there is little or no medical or peer support.

In 2010, the association took on a more structured form, with regular planning committee meetings that included medical advisors. Its reach has grown significantly, with supporters throughout the UK and interest from as far afield as the USA, Spain and Scandinavia.

In 2012, the Association became a registered charity, No. 1147802. We are now a significant voice within the cancer community, speaking at and attending major national and regional conferences, workshops and forums.