News

Pelvic floor expert at Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 10:53:00

PELVIC floor expert Andrina Mitcham will be the guest speaker at the upcoming meeting of the Sunraysia Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Andrina is a pelvic floor physiotherapist and will provide some expert tips and advice on how pelvic floor exercises can help men recovering from treatment for prostate cancer.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 April and is part of the group’s new focus on providing short information-based presentations from local health professionals, followed by the chance to ask questions and time for an informal catch-up.
“We are really keen to make this group accessible to as many men as possible, and providing expert knowledge and advice is one way to help do that,” Mildura Base Hospital’s prostate cancer nurse Craig Millard said.
With an average of just over one prostate cancer diagnosis in Mildura each week, Mr Millard said there are a significant number of men in the local community who have been through, or are going through, treatment of prostate cancer.
“The support group’s purpose is 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.
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.
While the five and 10-year survival rates for prostate cancer are now higher than 90 percent, Mr Millard said being diagnosed with cancer can be a confronting, emotional and confusing process.
“Medical professionals will provide support in every way possible, but 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.”
The group holds its meetings on the first Wednesday of each month starting at 6 pm in the Mildura Base Hospital conference room.