COUNTY Durham's first support group for men with prostate cancer has been launched with a message from Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The Sedgefield MP was unable to attend the group's inaugural meeting at County Hall, in Durham, but sent secretary Stafford Scholes, 74, of Esh Winning, his best wishes.

The group, whose patron is Durham University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman - the former Government Chief Medical Officer - heard from John Saxby, chief executive of the Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals Trust, that he welcomed its launch.

Mr Saxby said there was widespread ignorance about the disease, which claimed 10,000 lives a year, but can be treated and cured if diagnosed early.

Mr Scholes, a retired research scientist who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, said the group's launch was eclipsed by Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Friday.

He pointed out that while breast cancer affected only 25 per cent more people than prostate cancer, it received four times more NHS funding.

"While a comprehensive and effective screening programme for breast cancer exists and saves many women's lives, no such screening programme is available to men to give the early detection that is absolutely crucial to a cure.''

He said that he thought the funding inequality was due to "political and economic expediency'', as most prostate cancer sufferers were pensioners and therefore regarded as a burden on the country's economy.

He called on local MPs who attended the launch to press the Government for greater equity in attitudes to different types of cancer.

The group will start monthly meetings in January on the last Thursday of each month, at 7.30pm, in County Hall.

Anyone interested in joining can get more information from Mr Scholes on 0191-373 4958.