News

New format for Mildura prostate cancer support group

Fri, 04 Mar 2016 04:28:00

Sunraysia’s Prostate Cancer Support Group is revising its format in an effort to make it more accessible for men and their families.

The group was formed five years ago to provide information and support to men who have been diagnosed or who have had treatment for prostate cancer.
Mildura Base Hospital’s prostate cancer nurse Craig Millard said up to 10 people at a time were active members, but the group was keen to reach as many men as possible.
“There’s an average of just over one prostate cancer diagnosis in Mildura each week and that means there are a lot of men in our community who have been through, or are going through, treatment of prostate cancer,” Mr Millard said.
“The group is keen to be available and accessible for as many of those men, and their families, as possible, and is moving the meetings to the evening so that people who have daytime commitments can still attend,” he said.
The meetings will also have a short information-based presentation from a local health professional and the chance to ask questions, followed by refreshments and a more informal catch-up.
Mr Millard will provide the presentation for the first of the evening sessions on March 2.  Throughout the year presentations will be made by Oncologists, GPs, Physiotherapists, Social Workers, a representative from Sunraysia Cancer Resources, an Oncology Psychologist and a Urologist.
Mr Millard said the five and 10-year survival rates for prostate cancer were now higher than 90 percent.
“But being diagnosed with cancer can be a confronting, emotional and confusing process and while medical professionals will provide support in every way possible, there’s also a lot to be gained from involvement with a support group,” he said.
“Men often find it very positive and empowering to be able to discuss treatment options or other issues with men who’ve been through, or are going through, a similar experience.”
Mr Millard said the group was also looking at an opportunity to introduce a young men’s group, because issues for men aged in their 50s or 60s were often quite different to those for men in their 70s and 80s.
The group will hold its meetings on the first Wednesday of each month starting at 6 pm in the Mildura Base Hospital conference room. The next is on April 6.