Prostate awareness evening at City Hall

It is almost a decade since the Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group hosted a Prostate Awareness evening but an increase in the incidence of prostate cancer, the group, in conjunction with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is hosting a similar event on Monday, September 18.

Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group spokesperson Richard Harry said the 2014 event attracted 165 people and the lessons from that experience has seen this month’s event, coinciding with Prostate Awareness Month, hosted at the City Hall.

“We are a bit embarrassed last time – there was such an overwhelming response and we didn’t even have enough seats out so we have gone for a bigger venue this time round,” he said. The event will run form 7-9pm and feature speakers including urologist Dr Adee Davidson; Charge radiation Therapist Liam Jukes; prostate cancer nurse Tracy Bryant (pictured) and nurse practitioner Stuart Wilder.

“We know there are a lot of people ion this region that want to get a handle on this and this is an ideal opportunity to come along and ask questions of the specialists and go from there,” Mr Harry said. He was also keen for partners and family members to also attend, given the critical role they play. “I know for a fact that when I went to urologist after the biopsy and he said ‘yes, you’ve got cancer’ I just switched off and didn’t hear anything else he said but Heather (my wife) was there to take in the information we needed to know,” Mr Harry said.

“I didn’t remember a thing so it was important to have someone else there and it is great for wives and partners to come along to information evenings like this and get an insight into what needs to be done because without that push men often don’t do it.”

With around nine men dying each day in Australia from prostate cancer, providing men and their families with the information on prostate health, and for people from Naracoorte, Penola and Millicent, there will be a free bus operating so call 0427 978 898 to book your seat and for more details. There will also be relevant printed information available at the awareness evening, which is being supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, WIN TV and City of Mount Gambier.

The Prostate Awareness Evening is one of two events marking Prostate Awareness Month, with a fundraising barbeque being held outside Member for Barker Tony Pasion’s office between 11.30am and 1pm on Wednesday, September 20, with proceeds being passed on to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (see more details in story opposite page).

Both events are all about raising awareness of prostate cancer. All men over 50 years of age with no family history of prostate caner are urged to speak to their GP about getting a PSA test, which is a blood test. If there is family history, the checks should be carried out from 40 years of age.