VALUE OF A PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Peter Gebert PCFA Victorian Board Chairman Convenor Diamond Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group

The prostate is a small gland the size of a walnut which produces fluid to protect and lubricate the sperm It sits beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra in the shape of a doughnut

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ( BPH)

Prostate Cancer There are more prostate cancer deaths than breast cancer deaths in Australia Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Australasian Association of Cancer Registries 2007.

Australian men have a one in five risk of developing prostate cancer by the age of 85 years Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Australasian Association of Cancer Registries 2007.

Symptoms of early prostate cancer

Speaking with your GP about prostate cancer is the first step in your own health promotion

There are two tests which your GP will suggest or which you can suggest to your GP

Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA) The PSA test is the best available first stage marker which determines the level of prostate specific antigen in the blood stream. An elevated PSA may indicate some form of prostate disease. The PCFA Policy Statement on the PSA test is available on and is reflected in this presentation

The Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) In a digital rectal examination, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for any abnormality Only one area of the prostate can be examined by this method. See diagram

A combination of the PSA and DRE is usually recommended They should be included as part of a general male health check from 50 years of age or from 40 years of age if there is a family history of prostate cancer

AUSTRALIAN Numbers 20,000: New cases are diagnosed each year in Australia 3,300: Men die of prostate cancer – more than the number of women who die from breast cancer annually.

NUMBERS IN VICTORIA >Males in Victoria 2,300,000 >Over the age of ,000 >In 2012 Diagnosed 4,764 >In 2012 Died 790

Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is a broad-based community organisation and the peak national body for prostate cancer in Australia. We are dedicated to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners, families and the wider community. We do this by Research, Awareness and Support.

Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia The PCFA was founded by the Sydney Lane Cove Rotary Club. Rotary has a Board member on every State and the National Board.

Support Groups in Australia >PCFA have over 159 Support groups in Australia >In Victoria we have 30 groups >The nearest Groups are in Montmorency and Heidelberg >Meet once a month

What is a support group? Support groups give people: > The chance to talk about concerns with others who have had similar experiences and understand how they are feeling >Many groups have regular guest speakers, to provide education, information as well as support. >Meetings are generally held in a community or health centre or hospitals.

What is a support group? Support groups give people: >Help people cope with emotional and psychological effects of Cancer >Reduces feeling of isolation and leave people feeling cared for. >Improve participants’ sense of well being and build hope >Welcome Partners >Reassure people that their reactions are normal >Helps participants make informed decisions

Why talk to others ? ‘If you about to go on a journey the best advice you can get is from someone who is returning from the same journey as they can tell your what to expect’

THIS FROG IS A REAL PROSTATE WARRIOR AND YOUR TYPICAL MAN AT A SUPPORT GROUP

All of these activities give men an extra meaning in life while they are surviving Prostate Cancer.

Eltham Community Big Aussie Barbie >During September the Eltham Traders are helping us by turning their shops Blue for Prostate Cancer awareness. >Blue “P” like the pink ladies are being produced for display in shop windows and collection boxes will be available for donations to PCFA. >A Barbie on Saturday 13 th in Town square

Eltham Community Big Aussie Barbie >Our support group members will be handing out information >Were hoping more business might get on board and have their own Big Aussie barbies for Prostate Cancer. >The Leader Newspaper have indicated they will try and turn their Front Page Blue for us.

18 th August Monty RSL 7pm >Come and hear Dr. Bernie Crimmins local GP,ex Hawthorn Club Doctor and Associate Professor Nathan Lawrentschuk provide valuable information about Prostate Cancer. Help celebrate the local Prostate Cancer Support Group’s Tenth Birthday and hear local MP Steve Herbert and RSL President Bill McKenna tell how it started.

THANKYOU QUESTIONS