AMBASSADOR PRESENTATION Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know SPEAKER NOTES March 2013
Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
Overview of presentation
Aim of presentation
The Partners and Carers presentation provides audiences with an overview of prostate specific health issues, and provides information pertaining to the caring role. It includes information on self-care and the importance of looking after oneself, as a carer and/or as a partner. An introduction to the services of PCFA is outlined, directing people where to go for further information in the form of resources or supportive care services. A general overview of health prevention strategies concludes the presentation, outlining dietary, exercise, and alcohol intake recommendations as directed by the Australian Government.
The aim of the Partners and Carers presentation is to provide an overview of prostate cancer issues that may impact on them and to provide a context for self-care. It also aims to inform the community about Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). The information provided is evidence-based and sourced.
Intended audience The Partners and Carers presentation is suitable for audiences where people are currently, or have been, carers for someone diagnosed with prostate cancer, or their partner (husband, de-facto or same sex partner) has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is important to note that partners may also be carers, but not all carers are partners. It is suitable for presentation to both men and women, and people of any age. Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
2. Why did you decide to become an Ambassador?
SLIDE 1
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM PRESENTATION What Partners and Carers Need to Know
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You should take a few minutes before you begin the ‘official’ presentation to introduce yourself to your audience. Try to keep your introduction to 2-3 minutes. Some questions that may help you focus your introduction 1. What aspect of your prostate cancer journey (or someone you know) do you think it’s important for the community to know? (Identify the main challenge and the main positive in this)
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
NO SLIDE – OPTIONAL Acknowledgement of Country An Acknowledgement of Country is a way of showing awareness of and respect for the traditional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander owners of the land on which a meeting or event is being held, and of recognising the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their Country.
PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA RESPECTS AND ACKNOWLEDGES THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND, ELDERS PAST AND PRESENT, ON WHICH THIS MEETING TAKES PLACE.
At a meeting, speech or formal occasion the speaker can begin their proceedings by offering an Acknowledgement of Country. Incorporating welcoming and acknowledgement protocols into official meetings and events recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and custodians of their land. It promotes an awareness of the past and ongoing connection to place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Acknowledgement of Country is recommended by federal and state government departments. Source: Reconciliation Australia http://reconciliation.org.au/home/resources/factshee ts/q-a-factsheets/welcome-to-andacknowledgement-of-country
An Acknowledgement of Country can be informal or formal and involves visitors acknowledging the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander owners of the land as well as the long and continuing relationship between Indigenous peoples and their Country.
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
SLIDE 2 PCFA Ambassador Program What Carers and Partners Need To Know
What we’ll cover today • • • • • • •
The Prostate Prostate Cancer Statistics Prostate Cancer Carers Information What might happen if earlier test are abnormal How can PCFA help? Prostate related health promotion activities
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
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All good presentations outline what topics will be covered and in what order they will be presented. This provides some direction and focus for the audience when they are listening to you present the information.
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
SLIDE 3
Before starting your presentation it is a good idea to assess your audience’s knowledge. One way of doing this is through a series of true/false questions. This also helps to engage the audience in the information you will be presenting. Here are 10 myths about prostate cancer that you can use. Choose 3-4. 1. Prostate Cancer is common, but few men actually die from it (true or false?) Around 9 men die each day of Prostate Cancer in Australia. The good news, however, is that if detected early, more choices are available for any treatments you may need. 2. Prostate cancer is an old man’s disease (true or false?) While it is true that prostate cancer is more common with increasing age, it can be found in men of all ages. Prostate cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in men under the age of 40.
Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
3. If you don’t have any symptoms, then you don’t have prostate cancer (true or false?) Today, because of the availability of the blood test (Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA test), and physical examination (Digital Rectal Examination) many men are diagnosed with prostate issues some of which are cancer before they have had any symptoms. Urinary symptoms like hesitancy, frequency, or dribbling are important and could mean a problem with your prostate. However, not having these symptoms does not rule out prostate cancer. 4. If prostate cancer doesn’t run in my family, I won’t get it (true or false?) Whilst a family history of prostate cancer doubles a man’s odds of being diagnosed, the fact remains that 1 out of 7 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 75, and 1 in 4 by age 85. 5. The Prostate Specific Antigen blood (PSA) test is a cancer test (true or false?) The PSA tests measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the bloodstream, it highlights many health issues related to the prostate. PSA is increased in the bloodstream in response to a number of problems which could be present in the prostate including an inflammation or infection (prostatitis), enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or, possibly, cancer.
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
6. A high PSA level means that you have prostate cancer and a low PSA means you don’t (true or false?) Although prostate cancer is a common cause of elevated PSA levels, some men with prostate cancer may even have low levels of PSA. Factors such as being overweight can impact on levels. Again, elevated levels can be an indication of other medical conditions. 7. Vasectomies cause prostate cancer (true or false?) Having a vasectomy was once thought to increase a man’s risk, but recent research suggests that this is NOT the case. Vasectomy may however lead to a man getting his prostate checked more often and prostate cancer is subsequently detected more often in men who have had vasectomies. 8. Do all prostate cancers need to be aggressively treated (true or false?) In a large European study up to 42% of the cancers detected were low volume, low risk cancers suitable for surveillance. 9. Treatment for prostate cancer causes impotence or incontinence (true or false?) While erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence are possibilities following surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer, it is not true that all men experience complications. These side effects can also be highly dependent on age and physical condition. Numerous therapies and aids can improve erectile function Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
and limit incontinence following treatment and nerve sparing surgical procedures have improved outcomes for patients as well. The choice of treatment may impact quality of life side effects.
10. Sexual activity increases the risk of developing prostate cancer (true or false?) High levels of sexual activity or frequent ejaculation were once rumoured to increase prostate cancer risk. In fact, some studies now show that men who reported more frequent ejaculations had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Ejaculation itself has not been linked to prostate cancer. 11. You can pass your cancer to others (true or false?) Prostate cancer is not infectious or communicable. This means that there is no way for you to “pass it on” to someone else. Sources: Prostate Cancer Foundation http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.7425707/k. 7A02/10_Myths_and_Misconceptions_About_Prost ate_Cancer.htm About.com http://prostatecancer.about.com/od/prostatecancer1 01/a/toptenmyths.htm
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
SLIDE 4 PCFA – an overview Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is the peak national body for prostate cancer in Australia. PCFA are dedicated to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners, families and the wider community. By: • Promoting and funding research • Implementing awareness campaigns and education programs • Supporting men and their families through information and resources, support groups and Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses
PCFA formed in 1996 and has grown into the peak National body for prostate cancer in Australia. It is a registered charity. PCFA’s aim is to reduce the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners, families, friends and the wider community. PCFA does this through: Promoting and funding research: In partnership with Movember between 2007 2012 the research program has awarded more than $30 million to over 135 research projects across Australia Implementing awareness campaigns and educational programs, like the Ambassador Program. The aim of this program is to get men talking about their health, to become aware of signs that something Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
may be wrong, and to encourage everyone to seek medical advice sooner rather than later Supporting men and their families through: information resources (such as factsheets, brochures, books and DVDs): support group networks (there are around 130 prostate cancer support groups around Australia and this number is constantly growing): and through the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses program (currently there are 14 hospitals involved in this program). PCFA’s five values are: • Integrity • Optimism • Compassion • Respect •
Commitment
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
SLIDE 5 The Prostate
PCFA Ambassador Program What Carers and Partners Need To Know
• Small gland – size of a walnut • Sits beneath the bladder • Doughnut shaped surrounds the urethra • Produces fluid which provides a healthy environment for sperm
Bladder
Prostate Gland
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
The prostate is one of the organs forming part of the male reproductive system. All male babies have a prostate. The prostate is not removed even if a person has a sex change operation. The prostate is located immediately below the bladder and just in front of the bowel. Its main function is to produce fluid which protects and enriches sperm. It secretes a slightly acidic fluid, milky or white in appearance that usually constitutes 20–30% of the volume of the semen along with sperm and seminal vesicle fluid. A healthy human prostate is classically said to be slightly larger than a walnut. The mean weight of the "normal" prostate in adult males is about 11 grams, usually ranging between 7 and 16 grams.
Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
It is shaped like a doughnut and it surrounds the beginning of the urethra. Urine passes through the urethra on its way from the bladder to the penis. The nerves that control erections surround the prostate. The growth of the prostate relies on testosterone (male sex hormone) If the prostate grows too large, it can slow or stop the flow of urine. As the prostate is located near the back passage (the rectum) growth of the prostate can be checked by a rectal examination. Source: PCFA http://www.prostate.org.au Andrology Australia,http://www. andrologyaustralia.org
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SLIDE 6 Prostate Cancer Statistics • men will be diagnosed by age 75 • men will be diagnosed by age 85 • Second most common cause of cancer deaths – around 9 men die each day from the disease • For patients with localised disease around 93% will live beyond five years of diagnosis
In the decade 2001-2011 around 7.75 million men underwent a PSA test Sources: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). ACIM (Australian Cancer Incidence and Mortality) Books. AIHW: Canberra. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2012. Cancer incidence projections: Australia, 2011 to 2020. Cancer Series no. 66. Cat. No. CAN 62. Canberra: AIHW.
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
1 in 7 men will be diagnosed by age 75 1 in 4 men will be diagnosed by age 85 Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males – around 57 men are diagnosed each day (that’s more than 20,000 each year). Prostate cancer is the most prevalent of any solid organ cancer type (more prevalent than breast cancer in women). Prevalence means that in the past 5 years, more men have been diagnosed with prostate cancer than any other cancer (across men and women). Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australian men – around 9 men die each day from the disease Around 85% of all men diagnosed will be alive 5 years after diagnosis. For patients who have localised disease, around 93% will live beyond five years. Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
Caring is rewarding, but not always easy
SLIDE 7 Carer – a definition
PCFA Ambassador Program What Carers and Partners Need To Know
• Male or Female • Relative, partner (spouse, defacto, same-sex) or a friend • Support patient who is ill, frail, disabled, mental health or substance abuse • Can be anyone and any age
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
A carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative (spouse, de-facto, same-sex), partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age. Many feel they are doing what anyone else would in the same situation; looking after their mother, son, or best friend and just getting on with it. Carers don’t choose to become carers: it just happens and they have to get on with it; if they did not do it, who would and what would happen to the person they care for?
Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
The majority of carers will say that caring for someone is very rewarding and something that they want to do. However, caring is not always easy. 35% of primary carers provide care for 40 or more hours a week and can go on for many years. 31% of primary carers have been caring for more than 10 years, and 6% have been caring for more than 25 years. Caring comes at a cost. Carers have poorer health and wellbeing than non-carers. Caring responsibilities can also adversely impact upon family finances because of the costs involved in caring and because of reduced opportunities to work and save. Caring can contribute to relationship breakdown and mental illness. Awareness of these issues means that Carers Australia, governments and other support organisations can assist carers who are struggling and drive change to make the lives of carers easier. Some quick stats on Australia's carers ABS surveys and other sources have shed some light on carers in Australia. P a g e | 10
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By better understanding characteristics and demographics of our carers, we are better able to provide advocacy and advice to support them. Some quick statistics: 2.6 million unpaid carers in Australia [1] More than 770,000 carers are primary carers [1] 300,000 carers are under the age of 24 [1] 150,000 carers are under the age of 18 [1] Over 1.5 million carers are of working age (18-64) [1] 31,600 Indigenous carers are over the age of 15 [2] 620,000 carers were born outside Australia [3] 366,700 carers were born in nonEnglish speaking countries [3] 520,000 carers are over 65 years of age [4] Estimated annual replacement value of care provided in 2012 is over $40.9 billion [5] It is estimated that carers provided 1.32 billion hours of unpaid care in 2010 with productivity loss estimated at $6.5 billion [5] On average carers spend approximately 40 hours per week Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
providing care. It is estimated that carers of someone with a mental illness spend on average 104 hours per week in the caring role. [6] _____________________________________ 1 ABS (2009) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers. 2 ABS (2008) Summary of Findings: ABS Census of Population and Housing, Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. 3 ABS (2003) Migrants, Disability, Ageing and Carers. 4 ABS (2009) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers. 5 Access Economics (2010) The Economic Value of Informal Care in 2010. 6 Mental Health Council of Australia and Carers Australia (2000) Carers of People with Mental Illness.
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SLIDE 8 Recognised Challenges • Time deprivation • Depression • Reduced wellbeing • Chronic pain
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
Time deprivation – Partners and carers may have other work commitments as well as other family and social responsibilities. The additional organisation needed for someone who is ill can be exhausting though most partners and carers do this willingly. Depression - Research shows that partners/carers of cancer patients are often more depressed/anxious than the patient themselves. This is thought to be due to the fact that services and health care professionals focus their attention on the patient etc. It also relates to the length of time people may be in a caring role with or without enough support. Reduced well-being – Generally when we know someone is ill our attention and time can become focussed on the person and their illness. This means the partner/carer Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
may not take time to do things they used to and which benefited their physical, psychological, mental, emotional, spiritual health. Chronic pain – stress, anxiety, and exhaustion can all produce physical pain. Sometimes when people are unable to talk about or express how they are feeling to others this can be experienced as physical pain in the body (somatisation). Self-silencing - carers often feel as though their needs are less important - after all, they are not the ones with such a serious illness or even dying. Group exercise: What challenges have you experienced? This question can be asked of the group either at beginning or end of this slide Sources Hope, Empowerment, Resilience and Outcomes For Carers, Carers Tasmania, presented at Carers NSW Biennial Conference – March 2011 The Wellbeing of Australians – Carer Health and Wellbeing, 2007 A Report to Cancer Australia, Rebecca E Olson, September 2009: CARERS OF CANCER PATIENTS: UNDERSTANDING THEIR SUPPORT SERVICE NEEDS INFORMATION FOR CARERS, http://www.actcancer.org/patients-familyfriends/information-for-carers.aspx
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SLIDE 9 Caregiving: A Balancing Act Resources
Stressors
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
Resources Internal coping resources – these are often based on our life experience, our personality styles, ways we have been brought up. External coping resources Friends, family members Therapist / counsellor Respite care and other agencies Primary caregiving stressors: patient care Dependent on patients treatment options, but could include: o Wound cleaning o Pain management o Meal Preparation o Showering Secondary stressors: spill over effects Financial hardship: the extra costs of caring can be enormous. Caring Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
families often have to find money for extra expenses like heating and laundry, medicines, health care and transport. Personal health & wellbeing: carers often ignore their own health and are 40% more likely to suffer from a chronic health condition. Some health problems, like back problems, anxiety and depression, can be directly linked to caring. Social isolation and relationships: many carers feel isolated, missing the social opportunities associated with work, recreation and leisure activities. Carers often have to deal with strong emotions, like anger, guilt, grief and distress that can spill into other relationships and cause conflict and frustration. Other chronic strains and life events Many carers miss out on important life opportunities, particularly paid work, a career and education. P a g e | 13
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 Caring can take the freedom and spontaneity out of life. Sources: Australian Unity Wellbeing index. www.aoa.gov
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you or someone else is anxious or depressed.
SLIDE 10 Ways you can support • Learn all you can about prostate cancer care • Know the routine • Remind person their treating team will manage their disease • Exercise helps everyone • Be aware - depression and anxiety are common • Accept support
Accept support –from friends, family – however often speaking with someone outside the family such as a trained health worker and clinician can assist as they can often link people to other supports available in your local community.
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
Learn all you can about prostate cancer care – knowledge is fore warned and helpful for yourself in your role.
Cancer Council Resources: Caring for Someone with Cancer When cancer won’t go away
Know the routine – sometimes people need assistance from others to keep track of key doctor, specialist, nurse, allied health professional appointments Remind person that their treating team will manage their disease. Exercise helps everyone – exercise can mitigate some of the health effects of chronic illness. It also assists to reduce anxiety and depression Be on the lookout for depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety are common – be aware. If you notice changes encourage them to seek assistance from a counsellor or refer to Beyondblue website for information on how to identify when Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
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Drink 8 glasses of water per day
SLIDE 11 Looking after yourself • Lead a Healthy Lifestyle: Healthy balanced diet Quality sleep time Exercise Methods for relaxing and reducing stress levels Seek support
Carer Line for information, referrals, support groups, counselling 1800 242 636 Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
Lead a healthy lifestyle: looking after your OWN health is often the best way carers can ensure that they are able to look after others. Remember the airline safety briefing where we are instructed to place the oxygen mask on ourselves before attempting to help others? If you’ve passed out trying to help others you won’t be helping anyone! Healthy diet Include a wide range of foods as recommended by The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating 1 Minimise processed food and fizzy drinks Minimise alcohol http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/n5 5 Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
Quality Sleep: At least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night if possible Exercise: Aim to fit in up to 60 minutes of exercise into your daily schedule2 Relaxation & Reducing Stress: Exercise – including walks Yoga, Tai Chi Social time with friends Meditation Gardening or other enjoyable hobby Support can include Getting someone to help with the shopping, cleaning or pet care Attending support groups Time out through linking the person you are caring for to other social events for people in similar situations Respite care Talk therapy – with a trusted friend. Sometimes more professional support is needed. Make sure the person is professionally qualified and talk 2
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.n sf/content/BC3101B1FF200CA4CA256F970015495 8/$File/adults_phys.pdf
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with your doctor about whether you can access free sessions through Medicare to see a trained social worker, psychologist, dietician, exercise physiologist CentreLink benefits: Australian Government, Department of Human Services. See the Carer Payment / Carer Allowance booklet available online at http://www.humanservices.gov.au/custo mer/forms/ci002 http://actcancer.org/patients-familyfriends/information-for-carers.aspx Carers of Cancer Patients: Understanding Their Support Service Needs. A report to Cancer Australia, September 2009. http://www.actcancer.org/downloads/File/Carers_of _cancer_patients.pdf
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SLIDE 12 PCFA Ambassador Program
What Carers and Partners Need To Know Possible side effects of treatment
• Surgery (prostatectomy) • Radiation therapy • Hormonal therapy
• Chemotherapy Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
Surgery (Prostatectomy) Loss of urinary control (incontinence) Loss of ability to achieve or maintain an erection Loss of ejaculate- options for fertility are still possible and there are techniques available to assist reproduction Loss of libido or sex drive Radiation Therapy High-energy x-rays aimed at the cancer can also affect healthy cells Diarrhoea, sometimes with blood in the stool and cramping Inflammation of the bladder, blood in the urine, frequent or urgent urination In some cases bowel function does not return to normal after treatment
Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
Fatigue (extreme tiredness) usually does not last more than a month or two Hormonal Therapy Hot flushes Fatigue Decreased sex drive Loss of bone density (osteopaenia/osteoporosis) Weight gain Osteoarthritis Cognitive issues Chemotherapy Side effects depend on the type of medication being used May include: Anaemia Low white blood cell count (neutropenia) Infection Fatigue Nausea Vomiting Hair loss Loss of appetite Mouth sores Numbness or tingling of the skin (paraesthesia) Source: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
www.eligard.com/for-caregivers/caring=-forsomeone-with-prostate-cancer.aspx
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SLIDE 13 Intimacy • Depending on the patient’s treatment sexual concerns may become an issue for both of you • Erectile dysfunction • Loss of sex drive/low libido
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
through Medicare funded arrangements. Contact can also be made with organisations such as Impotence Australia or the Australian Association of Sex Therapists in your state. Sources Intimacy After Prostate Cancer Treatment, http://www.everydayhealth.com/prostatecancer/intimacy.aspx Intimacy and sex after prostate cancer, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostatecancer/MY01444
Intimacy is ‘connecting emotionally’. Prostatectomy or radiation therapy May experience loss of the ability to achieve or maintain an erection – erectile dysfunction loss of libido (sex drive) temporary or permanent depending on patients Hormonal prostate cancer therapy Can impact sexual function and desire Many men who receive hormonal prostate cancer therapy experience sexual side effects Moving forward: honest conversations. Talk to doctor, counsellor or therapist if additional help is needed. Your GP may be able to refer you for 5 free sessions Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
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Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse is an experienced registered nurse who has received additional training to make them an expert in prostate cancer care. Prostate Specialist nurses will help men and their families navigate the prostate cancer journey, providing information and coordinating care.
SLIDE 14 How can PCFA help?
PCFA Ambassador Program What Carers and Partners Need To Know
PCFA offers • Information • Support materials • Affiliated support groups across Australia www.prostate.org.au Freecall 1800 220 099
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
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If you have used any of PCFAs resources or services you might like to share your experiences here.
PCFA has a range of information available – from factsheets, to brochures to books and DVDs. If you would like more information, please go to the website or call the Freecall number 1800 22 00 99. In addition, PCFA has a number of affiliated support groups across Australia. These are held face-to-face or sometimes over the phone. The support groups are a great way to meet other people who are in a similar situation. Some groups have guest speakers on a range of different topics, some groups are social – most groups are a combination of these two things. PCFA also supports Prostate Specialist Nurses - There are lots of nurses throughout Australia working in a variety of jobs helping those affected by prostate cancer. A Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
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SLIDE 15 PCFA Ambassador Program
and Partners Need To Know Support Groups - How What ToCarers Find Them
www.prostate.org.au
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
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Visit the PCFA website and click on the Support Groups tab along the upper row of options. Alternatively, call 1800 220 099 or email enquiries@pcfa.org.au
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SLIDE 16 Your Health Matters! • Eat a balanced diet • Look after your mental & emotional wellbeing • Do some physical activity • Limit alcohol consumption
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
Eat a balanced diet Having a balanced, adequate and varied diet is an important step towards a happy and healthy lifestyle. Vitamins and minerals in the diet are vital to boost immunity and healthy development. A healthy diet can protect the human body against certain types of diseases, in particular non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer and skeletal conditions. Healthy diets can also contribute to the maintenance of appropriate body weight. Eating a wide variety of foods are important for maintaining a balanced diet [1] The Australian Dietary Guidelines (2013)[2] are:
Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods • Eat plenty of vegetables, legumes and fruits • Eat plenty of cereals (including breads, rice, pasta and noodles), preferably wholegrain • Include lean meat, fish, poultry and/or alternatives • Include milks, yoghurts, cheeses and/or alternatives reduced-fat varieties should be chosen, where possible • Drink plenty of water
And limit • Limit saturated fat and moderate total fat intake • Choose foods low in salt • Limit your alcohol intake if you choose to drink • Consume only moderate amounts of sugars and foods containing added sugars Sources: 1. World Health Organisation http://www.euro.who.int/en/what-we-do/healthtopics/disease-prevention/nutrition/a-healthylifestyle/benefits-of-a-balanced-diet 2. http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/n5 5
Do some physical activity The Australian guidelines [1] refer to the minimum levels of physical activity required for good health. The guidelines are based on the most P a g e | 22
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current and best available scientific research and evidence. Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Be active every day in as many ways as you can. Put together at least 30 – 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days. If you can, also enjoy some regular, vigorous exercise for extra health and fitness. Limit alcohol consumption New national guidelines for alcohol consumption have been developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council [2] to help you reduce your risk of harm from alcohol. The guidelines are based on the most current and best available scientific research and evidence. For healthy men and women, drinking no more than two standard drinks on any day reduces your risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury over a lifetime. Drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
alcohol-related injury arising from that occasion. Look after your Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Mental Health is a state of wellbeing. It is the way we see ourselves, feel about ourselves and the world around us. It refers to our emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual being. Sources: 1. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.n sf/content/BC3101B1FF200CA4CA256F970015495 8/$File/adults_phys.pdf 2. http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/ attachments/ds10-alcohol.pdf
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medications for anxiety and depression.
SLIDE 17 PCFA Ambassador Program
What Carers and Partners Need To Know Caring For Yourself
Support groups: may provide some benefits of counselling plus:
SUPPORT GROUPS RESPITE CARE COUNSELLING SELF CARE STRESS MANAGEMENT
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
Laughter and an opportunity to find balance between joy and sorrow Satisfaction from giving back and helping new cancer carers 17
Caring for the Partner/Carer Partner/ Carer’s Needs Caregiving can be stressful, with multiple studies showing that it is Mentally and physically tiring Carers suffer higher rates of neglected health problems o Major depression o Anxiety o Panic attacks o Stress on their noncaregiving counterparts.
Reassurance in the most appropriate approach to the future Information on other support services, financial aid programs New friendships between carers in and outside of group meeting times, enlarging the carers’ emotional support options. Source: Carers of cancer patients: understanding their support service needs. A report to Cancer Australia
Emotional Support Informal: friends, family including emails and phone conversations Counselling: can help learn alternative coping strategies, develop a better understanding of carer role and emotions; may include Prostate Cancer: What Partners and Carers Need to Know 03_2013
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
SLIDE 18 PCFA Ambassador Program
What Carers and Partners Need To Know Resources for Partner/Carers Role Carers Australia Carers Support and Services 1800 242 636 www.carersaustralia.com.au
Carer Allowance and Carer Payments are available through Centrelink.
Cancer Council 13 11 20 www.cancer.org.au Carer Life Course carerlifecourse.com.au
Visit your nearest Centrelink office to get applications and information (application are not available online).
Working Carers Gateway www.workingcarers.org.au info@workingcarers.org.au
Cancer Council’s Caring for Someone with Cancer Booklet, available online in PDF format: http://www.cancervic.org.au/aboutcancer/information_for_carers Palliative Care Australia: http://www.palliativecare.org.au
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
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SLIDE 19 PCFA Ambassador Program
What Carers and Partners Need To Know Resources for both Carer & Patient beyondblue: the national depression initiative beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 Healthshare Australia’s interactive health network healthshare.com.au Continence Foundation of Australia continence.org.au 1800 33 00 66 MindHealthConnect mindhealthconnect.org.au This Way Up, online treatment, education and research in anxiety and depression thiswayup.org.au The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating health.gov.au Andrology Australia andrologyaustralia.org Urological Society of Australia & New Zealand usanz.org.au
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
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Ambassador Presentation: What Partners and Carers Need to Know
SLIDE 20 References •
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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). ACIM (Australian Cancer Incidence and Mortality) Books. AIHW: Canberra. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2012. Cancer incidence projections: Australia, 2011 to 2020. Cancer Series no. 66. Cat. No. CAN 62. Canberra: AIHW. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & Australasian Association of Cancer Registries 2010. Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2010. Cancer series no. 60. Cat. no. CAN 56. Canberra: AIHW. Australian Government. Medicare Australia statistics: Medicare Benefits Schedule Item 66655. Available from https://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/statistics/mbs_item.shtml, accessed April 2012 Information for Carers, www.actcancer.org/patients-family-friends/information-forcarers.aspx Carers Australia, www.carersaustralia.com.au
Free Call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcaf.org.au Address: Level 3, 39-41 Chandos Street St Leonards NSW 2065
SLIDE 21
THANK YOU
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