Affiliated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
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Role of the group

When a man has indications of prostate cancer it usually comes as a nasty shock to him, his family and friends. Making decisions about diagnostic procedures, treatment options and post-treatment care can benefit from discussion with people who have undergone those processes. While members of the group do not provide medical advice they can help the newly diagnosed man, his partner and those concerned for his welfare to understand the options available, and how these options can be accessed. They can also provide views on what may lie ahead after treatment has been undertaken.

Views and information from our members can be obtained through attendance at one of our monthly meetings or by contacting individual members.  If you have immediate concerns about prostate problems and would like to discuss them now, you don't need to wait for a monthly meeting - simply contact one of our members by phone or email. Other ways in which the group could be of assistance to you are listed here.

Most members of the group are survivors of prostate cancer or are partners of such men. Those present at any given monthly meeting will usually include men who have undergone the most common treatments for prostate cancer.  They are willing to discuss their experiences and views with you and to offer support during the diagnostic, treatment and recovery phases.

The good news is that there is strong evidence that in many cases treatment of prostate cancer can result in long term remission, particularly when it has been detected at an early stage. Early detection is the key to a completely effective treatment with minimum side effects. However, even if it is not detected early in its development, there are treatments which can still control many of the associated symptoms and problems, enabling an enjoyable and useful life for many years. More about these ‘good news’ messages is here. 

Regular monthly meetings

Informal monthly meetings are held in the evening on the 3rd Wednesday of each month except in December. At these meetings a wide range of topics are discussed in an informal, informative atmosphere. Often there is a presentation from a person who has expertise in some particular matter of interest. After meetings, coffee, tea and cake are available, providing the opportunity to develop contacts with people who may be able to provide information and views about specific matters of interest to you.

Promoting awareness about prostate cancer
The group is very active in promoting awareness about prostate cancer and its treatment. Most men are unaware of the incidence of prostate cancer and the fact that it often develops without any noticeable symptoms. We believe that it is important that all men be aware of this and on reaching age 40 should consult their GP about monitoring their PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) regularly and if appropriate in view of their PSA level, have a DRE (Digital Rectal Examination). This approach increases the likelihood of early detection, with the important consequence of maximising the chances of a completely effective treatment.

While there are some differences in the policies of authoritative bodies in Australia in relation to PSA testing and DRE, the views of two such bodies should be noted:

  • The policy of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand is that it is important for men aged 40 or more to have their PSA measured regularly and to have a regular DRE. In the Society’s view that would lead to prostate cancer being detected earlier in its development rather than later, increasing the likelihood that a curative treatment can be achieved. The full policy of the Society can be viewed in the documents listed here.
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  • The policy of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia that men at 50 with no family history of prostate cancer and men at 40 with a family history, should undertake a PSA test and DRE annually. Its policy on this is here.
We are keen to give presentations and to provide advice and support to clubs, organisations, workgroups, or associations in the ACT and in southern NSW. Our members frequently give presentations at meeting of seniors’ groups of various types and to groups that have mature age men in their membership. We are happy to set up information stalls at events and to organise speakers for discussions, meetings or other such events. See the Past events page for a listing of some important events that we have been involved in, and the Scheduled events page for a listing of planned events (including guest speakers).

If you would like us to give a presentation or to run an information stall at an event please contact the Secretary.

Sources of information

While your GP and specialist would be your primary source of information about prostate cancer there are many supplementary sources of information about the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and after-treatment care. This includes publications in print and audiovisual format and there are many organisations, service agencies and friendly associations that provide information, services and support.

The group maintains a library of selected publications that people can borrow (see Our library).

Information about the group’s activities are published in our free newsletter The Walnut (see Our newsletter).

Contact us

If you would like to get more information about the group send an email to our Secretary or phone one of our other organisers or simply come along to a monthly meeting.

Links with other organisations

The group is affiliated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia being a member of its Support Group network.