No man should have to face prostate cancer alone.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is what those behind a new Illawarra Prostate Cancer Support Group want to help those who are diagnosed avoid.
Founder Don Hahn said the first meeting in March began the process of providing information and emotional support "while also raising community awareness and promotion of the cause of prostate cancer".
Matt Starr got involved after finding out about plans to start such a group at the It's a Blokes Lunch in November.
"I was daignosed in early 2017 at age 45 as a result of a routine check up with GP about something else," he said.
Blood tests, a urologist and a biopsy confirmed prostate cancer and treatment began.
Looking back Mr Starr said it would have been great to have such a group in the region at that time. The first thing he did was look for resources by reading books and looking at the Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia website. He was interested in support groups but found there was nothing in the Illawarra.
Being younger than many men diagnosed he was keen to find and talk to others like him.
"It definitely would have been very beneficial. I guess that is why I am getting involved in this group now. I met Don last year at the It's A Bloke's lunch and heard him talk about starting a group and said to him "that is awesome how can I help"?"
Mr Starr has been through all the treatment and now gets his PSA checked every six months to check for any recurrence.
"The key reason for me getting involved in the new group is to support others as someone who has been through it," he said.
Mr Starr has had a good outcome to date but knows a lot of men are in worse situations. He wants to help men at what ever stage they are at and is keen to get the word out about the new group.
"It is going to be beneficial, well and truly. Everyone's cancer journey is different. And everyone deals with things differently".
"But just blokes being able to sit there and have a chat helps. That can be talking about what they have been through and experiences, how they are going mentally and other things as well such as erectile disfunction, incontinence and any of the other side-effects and treatments".
Illawarra Prostate Cancer nurse Rachel Young is one of the co-leaders of the groups because she knows how important men being able to talk to other men going through prostate cancer will potentially be. She is not on duty or there to give any medical advice.
Mr Hahn said the monthly meetings are about sharing experiences, offering support, engaging with others with prostate cancer and their partners and carers for mutual benefit, addressing the psychological and other needs of people dealing with the impacts of prostate cancer and facilitating educational exchanges for those undergoing tests.
It is not only for those who have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer but those undergoing treatment and those recovering from it.
There will also be guest presenters speaking on a wide range of subjects, DVDs and articles from other Prostate Cancer Support Group newsletters.
Meetings are held at 6pm on the third Monday of every month with the next on April 15 at Dapto Leagues Club. Information can be sought by emailing illawarrapcsg@gmail.com.
Read more:
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
