A Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia support group has been established in Collie for men and their families who have been affected by the disease.
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Local couple Mun Lye and his wife Gloria have started the Collie branch of the group after attending the Bunbury group for some time they realised the need for one in the area.
They held their inaugural meeting last Wednesday, where they were joined by guest speakers and specialists in the prostate cancer field.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Support Group and Outreach Coordinator Emilia Hay said there is a need for these groups in WA
“Over the past three years the number of support groups in Western Australia has grown from three to twenty four, it’s a place where men can express what they are feeling in a secure environment,” she said.
In Australia prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, so it is crucial that men are willing to acknowledge and talk about this issue.
“The aim of the support groups is to reduce the impact that prostate cancer has on men and their families. People need to know they are not alone; they need to know what’s on offer in terms of treatments and recovery, we want to avoid the feeling of isolation, and these support groups help with this,” Ms Hay said.
“A positive diagnosis can cause strain on relationships and many people can become withdrawn, as the masculine identity of men can be challenged.”
Ms Hay said that these groups offer hope to many men who are newly diagnosed as they are able to talk to men who have been through the treatment, and come out the other side.
“It’s fantastic for men to see what others have been through and those that are on the road to recovery and come out the other side healthy again.”
Prostate Cancer specialist nurse, Kaye Pendretti who is one of only two specialist nurses in Western Australia, said that her role is varied and encompasses the journey from diagnosis and throughout the treatment and recovery process.
“There is the financial stress that can occur when the breadwinner has to take time off work during periods of treatment and recovery, or the need for financial assistance with accommodation when travelling to Perth for treatment,” she said.
Coordinating the care for the patient, support in decision making, where to go for treatments and explaining the treatment and recovery process, are just some of the areas in which the specialist nurse helps with.
Consultant Radiation Dr Siddhartha Baxi said there were many cases treated in the South West last year, 60 were from the Collie area, and that receiving treatment closer to home was a decision based on convenience.
Dr Baxi also said that technology in the treatment process is improving rapidly, and these improvements mean that the treatment has less unpleasant side effects and is becoming more effective.
The Collie support group will meet every second Wednesday of the month at 7pm In the library under croft meeting room, corner of Wittenoon and Steere Streets. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information on Prostate cancer or support groups in your area please visit Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Prostate Cancer facts:
- More than 3,000 men die of prostate cancer in Australia every year.
- More men die of prostate cancer than women die of breast cancer.
- Prostate cancer is an age-dependent disease, which means the chance of developing it increases with age. The risk of getting prostate cancer by the age of 75 is 1 in 7 men. By the age of 85, this increases to 1 in 5.
- If you have a first degree male relative with prostate cancer, you have a higher chance of developing it than men with no such history. The risk increases again if more than one male relative has prostate cancer. Risks are also higher for men whose male relatives were diagnosed when young.
- Prostate cancer is generally a slow growing disease and the majority of men with low grade prostate cancer live for many years without symptoms and without it spreading and becoming life-threatening. However, high grade disease spreads quickly and can be lethal. Appropriate management is key.