Prostate News Issue 47

SEPT 2011 issue 47

PCFA welcomes Qantas Sponsorship

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On the 28th July, Qantas unveiled a brand new 737-800 jet with PCFA.The PCFA blue ribbon “P” is now flying across Australia to raise awareness for men to speak to their doctor about being tested for prostate cancer.

Qantas is the proud airline sponsor of PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Program. They have provided sponsored flight assistance for the nurses who will be employed on the program to travel to receive education and training over a three year period to formalise their training as a specialist nurse.

Over the next three years, the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Program will focus on recruiting up

to 15 nurses in both metropolitan and regional Australia to provide men who have prostate cancer with clinical and supportive care. The nurses will act as an expert point of contact for patients and their families during the entire cycle of care – from diagnosis to post treatment support.

The Movember Foundation has generously provided $2.5million of funding for the first part of the program. Additional funds are still

needed and PCFA is now calling on the Australian community and corporate Australia to provide support so the program can grow and secure more nurses across Australia.

The launch of the jet attracted many media representatives to hear Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce, speak about the importance of prostate cancer testing as well as his personal journey with prostate cancer following recent surgery. continues on page 4

National Board Chairman Graeme Johnson Deputy Chairman David Sandoe OAM Finance Director Chris Hall Research Professor John Mills (Chairman) Awareness & Education Dr David Malouf (Chairman) A/Prof Phillip Stricker (Education Sub-Committee Chairman) Support and Advocacy David Gregory (Chairman) Marketing and Sponsorship Steve Callister (Chairman) Rotary John Palmer State Chairmen Tony Sonneveld OAM (NSW/ACT) Des Grogan (VIC/TAS) Roz Baker (WA) Jim Hughes (QLD) Professor Villis Marshall AC (SA/NT) Director Patricia Watson Observer Peter Gebert

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Message from the CEO Our network of over 110 prostate cancer support groups is at the very heart of everything we do at PCFA. So, it gives me great pleasure to welcome John Friedsam as our new Manager, Support Groups.

John joins PCFA from Cancer Council NSW where he was Support Services Manager with responsibility for 300 support groups, telephone support groups and Cancer Connections (online supportive care).

John is passionate about men’s health and he is joining PCFA at a very exciting time.

Earlier this year the Federal Government announced $3.9 million of funding over three years to PCFA through Cancer Australia. The funding will be used to strengthen our existing network of support groups through resources and training; to establish new support groups with a focus on men in regional and rural areas; to develop evidence-based fact sheets and educational resources for men to navigate the cancer patient journey; and to create an internet-

based communications hub for support groups using social networking tools.

John’s passion, enthusiasm and experience will be invaluable in guiding the development and roll out of these new resources. Please join me in giving John a very warm PCFA welcome.

September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and we have great fundraising and awareness activities planned. Our main fundraising activity, The Big Aussie Barbie 2011, kicked off with the world’s longest BBQ marathon team event in Cathedral Square, Sydney, on 1st September (see story on page 3). I’d like to express our appreciation and thanks to Commonwealth Bank for their support as major sponsor of the Big Aussie Barbie 2011.

Many other events and activities are planned across Australia during September. For more information, visit prostate.org.au. By hosting a Big Aussie Barbie fundraiser this September you will enable PCFA to continue to invest in world leading research, raising awareness of prostate cancer and supporting men and their families affected by the disease.

So, as Dame Edna says, get your tongs out and keep your sausage sizzling!

September is set to Sizzle…

September is the start of spring, footy grand finals, Father’s Day, and time to dust off your Barbie! By hosting a Big Aussie Barbie and raising funds for PCFA you will enable us to continue to invest in world leading research, raising awareness of prostate cancer and supporting men and their families affected by the disease.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men and the second most common cause of male cancer deaths. This year almost 20,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 3,300 men will die of the disease. What is not commonly understood is that men can be diagnosed with prostate cancer as early as in their forties.

The September barbecue campaign was launched nationally on the 1st of September by PCFA’s major sponsor, Commonwealth Bank. Held in Sydney’s Cathedral Square, the Commonweath Bank and PCFA were the “longest BBQ marathon team” barbecuing tasty treats for 26.5 hours straight!

The long haul event was frequented

by PCFA celebrity supporters, media recording the record breaking progress and hundreds of PCFA and CBA volunteers and supporters. The

event was a great effort by all and finally wound up at 9am on the 2nd of September, entering the Guinness Book of Records as the World’s Longest BBQ. PCFA has a number of events on around the country during September, aimed to encourage Australians to get behind our cause and get cooking on the BBQ to raise money and awareness.

You can help support PCFA’s work by visiting our website and registering your own “Big Aussie Barbie” in September, prostate.org.au

Commonwealth Bank continue their support Commonwealth Bank continue their support for PCFA as major sponsor of the national fundraising campaign in September.

Their ongoing support sees many teams across the country raising funds and awareness for PCFA. The monies raised by CBA are used to assist men and their families living with prostate cancer. Funds are injected into areas such as travel assistance, so patients can travel from regional location to metro cities across the country for treatment.

CBA hosted an opera fundraiser performance in July at the Sydney Opera House raising $11,000 to boost the income for the patient support scheme.

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PCFA welcomes Qantas Sponsorship (continued from cover) Mr Joyce said Qantas was extremely proud to be associated with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

“Qantas is honoured to be supporting Australia’s first specialist prostate cancer nurses who will play a vital role for those affected either directly or indirectly by prostate cancer,” Mr Joyce said.

“Earlier this year I was tested and discovered that I had an aggressive form of prostate cancer. I was able to have an operation quickly and was back at work within a few weeks.”

“I’m really proud to be involved in this initiative which is all about getting nurses across the country and supporting them in their vital work,” Mr Swan said.

“As a survivor of prostate cancer, a great passion of mine in life is to bring greater awareness to blokes who are most at risk. The reality is if it weren’t for early detection nearly ten years ago, there is every chance I couldn’t be here today.”

As part of a new partnership with PCFA, Qantas will also help to build awareness of prostate cancer with passengers through advertising, in-flight announcements and on-board messaging.

For September, Qantas is promoting PCFA’s fundraising initiative, “The Big Aussie Barbie’ with an inflight commercial and an article in The Australian Way. PCFA’s greatly acknowledges the support of Qantas. Look out for the blue ribbon P flying through the sky!

“My doctor told me that there was an 80 per cent chance that I would have been dead within 10 years if it hadn’t been detected when it was.

I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones and would encourage all men over 40 to be tested regularly.”

“Around 60 per cent of Qantas’ 35,000 workforce is made up of men, particularly men over 40, so we will also be helping to raise awareness within the company.”

Federal Treasurer,The Hon Wayne Swan was also in attendance and emphasised the importance of corporate Australia in recognising PCFA’s work for this all too common disease.

John Friedsam - Manager, Support Groups John Friedsam moved to Australia from the USA in 2001 to pursue post graduate study in applied psychology, concentrating on oncology group work as his specialty area.

Since 2003, John has held varied positions with Cancer Council NSW. Most recently, since 2009, John was the Support Services Manager, overseeing a suite of supportive

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care delivery services such as;Telephone Support Groups (TSG),The Cancer Support Group Network (CSGN) of NSW and Cancer Connections Online.

Career highlights include developing a budding TSG program into one that delivers in excess of 225 groups per annum, using technology to reach isolated and under supported cancer patients.

During this time technology based outreach via the Cancer Connections website grew to over 50,000 visits per year.With the CSGN, John managed a systematic review of the program’s engagement with over 300 support groups in NSW – assessing how to best allocate organisational resources in the support of group leaders to ensure best practice standards for the participants. John also

managed the growth of all three programs working nationally with sister Cancer Councils and other peak body charities.

John is experienced in group work, best practice standards, sustainability in service delivery and the development, support and training of an eclectic blend of cancer support group leaders.

“As a health professional passionate about support, group work and men’s health – I am extremely excited by the opportunity to work with PCFA, to harness the already rich experience of the organisation’s support group history and to fully utilise the generous new funding from Cancer Australia.”

Yvette Sullivan recipient of Barry Collins Awards In September 2010,Yvette Sullivan, recipient of the Barry Collins Nursing Internship Grant, travelled to London to take up a host placement at Homerton University Hospital.The purpose of Yvette’s visit was to increase her knowledge of prostate cancer; observe how other institutions approach multiprofessional diagnostic treatment support for men with prostate cancer; and to record how nurse-led clinics are structured to enable access and continuity of care of a service within an acceptable period of time.

The urology section at Homerton University Hospital has three consultant surgeons, one clinical oncologist, three registrars, one house officer, one nurse

specialist for benign urology and one Uro-oncology nurse practitioner. The Uro-oncology nurse practitioner runs nurse services in haematuria, PSA monitoring, rapid access TRUS and biopsy, prostate cancer follow-ups, bone metastases and bisphosphonate treatments.

During her stay,Yvette was able to reflect on how practice in the UK supports improved patient access to services and care. Some observations include; the development of national guidelines for suspected urological cancer; an efficient system for referral of patients with a suspected malignancy to specialist services; investment in nurses who have urology experience that can see patients who require education; monitoring and ongoing support, thus freeing up consultants time for more complex care.

Yvette’s comparison with UK and Australian practice is that in reality there

are few urology nurse practitioners in Australia, and those that are employed see patients with many presenting urological problems other than prostate cancer. Hence, the nurse practitioner is required to have a broad knowledge of urological conditions. The use of nurses specialising in prostate cancer as observed in her visit to Homerton University Hospital is effective for timely patient care and can only be encouraged.

PCFA’s initiative to support prostate cancer nurses throughout Australia is applauded and supported.

The models of care used in the UK for prostate cancer nurses is a valid starting point for Australia to build upon and adapt to the needs of Australian men and their families.

Men teaching men’s health Male Clinical Teaching associates (MCTAs) are a specialised type of Standardised Patient who undergo intimate physical examinations by medical students and provide instruction and feedback. The principal aim of the program was to provide a safe and structured learning environment in which students could acquire the basic skills of men’s intimate examination, in particular the digital rectal examination (DRE).

The Male Clinical Teaching associates program at the University of Tasmania School of Medicine was conceived in 2010 during which time 20 men were recruited from the local community and trained in preparation for student teaching to commence in 2011. Funding of the pilot program was provided by Movember, through PCFA’s Research Program.

At the same time, Dr Christine Fairbank had been working on a project that

is aimed at better educating medical students so that they are both confident and competent in their ability and approach within men’s health. One of her aims is to teach students a “patient centred” model of performing a rectal examination – an essential skill for them to have if the morbidity and mortality from prostate cancer is to improve.

A number of external stimuli prompted this initiative. Men’s Health and Cancer Screening have become

national health priorities. Agencies such as Andrology Australia have been engaged by Government to devise a basic Men’s Health curriculum to be implemented by Medical Schools throughout the country. At the same time, prostate cancer has gained an increased public health focus. While there remains controversy regarding the benefits of population screening, current evidence dictates that early diagnosis is best established by a combination of the prostate-specific continues on page 6 PROSTATE NEWS | 5

Men teaching men’s health (continued from page 5)

y, L-R: Krista Minzenma and tor ina ord CTA Co , Dr Christine Fairbank or ect Dir m gra Pro CTA

antigen (PSA) blood test and a DRE. It is therefore important that medical graduates be adequately skilled in this technique. However, recent studies from Ireland1 and Australia2 have reported considerable deficiencies in undergraduate experience, largely due to difficulties in achieving an appropriate learning environment.

Evaluation of Year 3 medical students in 2010, as part of the existing Women’s CTA program, revealed that 99% of students were strongly supportive of a similar program dealing with men’s urogenital examinations. A more detailed needs survey was also carried out, in which all students in Years 3, 4 and 5/6 were asked about their knowledge, attitudes and practice of men’s sensitive examinations. One of the salient findings of this was that students in the “metropolitan” centre and international students had significantly less (and unacceptably low levels of) exposure to men’s urogenital examination (including DRE) in the latter part of their course3. A structured teaching program for these students was therefore indicated.

From the 2011 student cohort for whom the pilot program is intended, 1.

2.

3.

over 100 student evaluations have so far been received. All respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that: • “ The learning environment with the Men Clinical Teaching Associates was effective”.

• “ The feedback and support given to me by the Men Clinical Teaching Associates was constructive and appropriate.”

Further qualitative evaluations have suggested that the MCTA program is providing valuable insights into Men’s Health, particularly prostatic disease.

The UTAS MCTA program is unique in that it has recruited men of varying ages and backgrounds directly from the lay community, trained them, and put them on the university pay-roll. This has led to a sense of empowerment within the group, to the extent that they now see themselves as ambassadors for Men’s Health. Academic papers on the MCTA recruitment and training experience have been presented or accepted at a two national health education conferences.

In addition, the MCTAs themselves will be presenting an account of their experiences at the 2011 National Men’s Health Gathering in Perth.

Professor Richard Turner, Professor of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania

Dr Fairbank in Melbourne has reported similar data. The results so far show a dramatic increase in the students’ confidence to perform each of these examinations after the tutorial. They state that the tutorials help both their technical and their communication skills and they very much appreciate and value this method of learning.

In the coming months, following completion of the pilot program’s evaluations, articles will also be written for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

The principal aim of the MCTA program was to provide a safe and structured learning environment in which students could acquire the basic skills of men’s intimate examination, in particular the digital rectal examination (DRE).

Fitzgerald D, Connolly SS, Kerin MJ. Digital rectal examination: national survey of undergraduate medical training in Ireland. Postgrad Med 2007; 83:599-601 Lawrentschuk N, Bolton DM. Experience and attitudes of final-year medical students to digital rectal examination. MJA 2004; 181:323-325 L o J,Verma K, Sefton N, Turner R. Shortfalls in the performance and interpretation of male genitorectal examinations by medical students. Accepted as a published abstract in ANZJS (for RACS Annual Scientific Congress, Adelaide, May 2011)

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Movember coming soon …

Movember funds world-class research, educational, support & awareness programs which wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

Program Success: Full details of funded programs can be found at movember.com Awareness Success:

hought about improving 90% ttheir general health isited a doctor in 86% vthe last 12 months men’s 67% discussed health out health 53% carried research

movember.com PROSTATE NEWS | 7

NSW

Macquarie Bank Trivia

Castle Hill $8000 from Country Club the Illawarra trivia night PCSG

A chilly night in Sydney town turned into a hot spot of trivia action at the Macquarie Bank Trivia Night. More than 350 staff turned out to pitch their wile and wits against each other to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer.

On Saturday the 18th June, Castle Hill Country Club hosted a trivia night for 160 of their members and guests to raise funds for PCFA. The organisers of the event Cherie Semionov, Cassie Robertson, and Duncan Walker were hoping to raise $10,000.They were stunned to find after a final money count, that they had raised $15,000 for PCFA!

Celebrity Chef Tony Bilson, set the tone of the evening, sharing with the audience his personal journey with prostate cancer – along with an intimate story of the tragic loss of a loved one to the same disease.

With this call to action Macquarie Bank staff responded with true generosity and compiled a fast paced night of questions with a competitive edge that was soon evident throughout the room.

PCFA State Manager Wendy Farrow played official bingo caller and barrel girl, fining those who tried to use their mobile phones to search the internet for answers; as well as selling correct answers to the highest bidders. A remarkable $20,402 was raised on the night with advice that this would be generously dollar matched through the Macquarie Bank Charitable Foundation. A great result and many thanks to our Friends at Macquarie Bank.

Many thanks to all the supporters who sold tables, food, raffle tickets and auction items on the night. Also, the team had a number of sponsors who generously donated prizes. PCFA’s NSW Ambassador Rod Lowe attended the event to share his experiences and partake in the night’s activities. Cherie, Cassie, and team had an enjoyable, fulfilling experience organising this event and raising money for PCFA. We are most grateful for their efforts in holding such a successful night and acknowledge the generosity of everyone involved.

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Testament to the group’s success in raising awareness for prostate cancer, a cheque for $8000 was presented to PCFA, achieved through support group engagement with the local community. PCFA congratulates the Illawarra PCSG on their great work in providing awareness and support to men and their families affected by prostate cancer in the area.

L-R: Wendy Farrow, Bob Bell, Dr Anthony Lowe, Keith James

Castle Hill Country Club members enjoying the trivia night L-R: Peter Maher Head of Banking and Financial Services Group, Tony Bilson and NSW State Manager Wendy Farrow

On June 22 Keith James and Bob Bell of the Illawarra Prostate Cancer Support Group joined PCFA CEO Dr Anthony Lowe and PCFA NSW State Manager Wendy Farrow to discuss recent activities in their area.

VIC

Regional BBQ Bonanza!

In September 2009 the first Shepparton’s BIGGEST Ever Blokes BBQ was held in a large marquee in Shepparton, regional Victoria, to raise funds for PCFA. The event was a sell-out, attracting over 500 men who indulged in a day of dining and entertainment; and the purchase of auction items ranging from fishing trips to Queensland holidays to Footy Show tickets.

PCFA had the opportunity to address the audience about the importance of our work and the purpose of fundraising endeavours in the community.

The Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ is the brainchild of Shepparton local Chris McPherson, CEO of McPherson Media Group. The event came to fruition as Chris wanted to do something in the community to support International Prostate Cancer Month in September and PCFA’s BBQ campaign.

This 2009 event turned out to be the blueprint for future events. 2011

Chris McPherson

will see the third annual Shepparton’s BIGGEST Ever Blokes BBQ with well over 600 men attending.

in Bairnsdale, Ballarat and Bendigo, with the potential for other major regional centres in Victoria becoming involved.

Chris also invited fellow media proprietors from around regional Victoria to attend the Shepparton event to witness the day’s activities, to see how the male population embraced the event and to have a good time.

Hopefully through media awareness and attention, more Australian men will become aware of the need to look after their Health. Following the success of the BIGGEST Ever Blokes BBQs in Shepparton, further BBQs are being held

Chris and his committee have created a model for how to run a successful event and have very generously supported and advised those who have followed through to host their own BBQ for prostate cancer event.

displayed at the end of the round on the website, www.balls4life.com.au.

in raising funds and awareness for men’s health. PCFA is honoured to be the charity of choice in the Balls4Life cause.

PCFA would like to acknowledge Chris and his committee for their great work in not only raising funds for PCFA, but importantly, for making men in regional Victoria more aware of prostate cancer.

Balls 4 Life PCFA has formed a partnership with Balls4Life, a not-for-profit foundation established to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.

Scott Matthews, founding Director of Balls4Life, has created a simple concept that draws on football loving Australians’ desire to own an integral part of the team they support.

Scott has secured alliances with the Australian Football League and all seventeen AFL teams for the 2011 season. Following every game in each round of the season all players from the winning teams will sign a match ball. The signed footballs will then be

The balls are up for public auction and all funds raised will be donated to PCFA. Balls signed by the 2011 AFL Grand Final team captains and coach, the captains and coaches of each club which wins a finals game; the 2011 Brownlow medallist and the 2011 all Australian Team will also be auctioned at www. balls4life.com.au. Since its inception, the Balls4Life initiative has proven popular with bidders, sporting partners and the media. The future vision of Balls4Life is to attract all football codes and other major sporting bodies in Australia to become involved and assist

s, Scott Matthew Balls4Life of or ct re Di g found in

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QLD

Corporate Rugby Tens John Slater and Ryan Molloy from CB Richard Ellis are the driving force behind the success of the annual Corporate Rugby 10s held in Brisbane. Last year the teams involved raised an impressive $20,504.30 for PCFA. Now in its fourth year, the event has out grown its original home at Ballymore and moved to the GPS Rugby Club at Ashgrove. Eighteen corporate teams played on Friday 2 September 2011, and although the donation to PCFA is still being counted, it appears that funds raised will easily surpass last year’s achievment.

Thank you again to all who literally put their bodies on the line, from CB Richard Ellis, Knight Frank, Macquarie, Jones Lang LaSalle, McCullough Robertson, Colliers, Herron Todd White,Wilson HTM, Deloitte, Ray White, Savills and RBS Morgans.

Ingham Wheels and Wings Airshow Over the weekend of 3rd and 4th of September, an exhibition of historic aircraft and vehicles was displayed at the Ingham Wheels and Wings Airshow.

Aviation enthusiasts inspected aircraft ranging from ultra-lights to gyrocopters to sport, commercial, vintage and military aircraft. High energy aerobatic routines thrilled spectators young and old. The wheels on display included restored vintage, veteran, military and muscle cars and motorbikes.

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The event co-ordinator was Christian Smith, a Townsville resident who coordinated the Donnington Airshow at Woodstock, Qld, between 1986 and 1993.

In 1991 the event won the North Queensland Tourism Awards category for Significant Local Festival or Special Event.

Furthermore, during the Ulyssses Club National AGM in Townsville in 2008, Christian was the media liaison for the event and also co-wrote the NQ Tourism Awards submission that won Major Festivals’ category. He still maintains extensive contacts within the aviation industry, particularly in the Warbird and Airshow sectors.

With extended experience co-ordinating the Donnington Airshow for many years, it has always been Christian’s dream to organise another Airshow event.

A diagnosis with prostate cancer in recent years helped Christian to reevaluate his perspective on life and promote his vision into reality. PCFA is proud to be associated with the Ingham Wheels and Wings Airshow and grateful that we are recognised as a charity partner at this event.

ith Christian Sm

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WA

WA Office The WA office has undergone many changes in the past few months. Cate Harman has filled the position of WA State Manager and Belinda Katz joined the team as Administration Assistant.

The WA Board has also undergone some changes with Roz Baker as the new Chair.

During August the WA branch moved offices to Newcastle St Perth. A morning tea was held for support group conveners and ambassadors welcoming them to the new office.

e WA office Katz from th a nd li Be d an Cate Harman

The WA staff will host an official opening on 18th November 2011 to relaunch PCFA activities in WA.

Freemantle Phantoms Football Club During July PCFA WA Ambassador Trenton Jones was well received at a luncheon held for significant sponsors and life members of the Freemantle Phantom Football club. Trenton spoke about his struggle with prostate cancer and presenting the facts of the disease, creating much needed awareness in the local football community.

In a concluding speech, Bob Smith, president of AFL Masters Western Australia, presented a donation of $1500 to PCFA. An additional $600 was raised from the generous people attending the luncheon. Club Treasurer of the Freemantle Phantom Football Club, Kerri Wilkinson has been an ongoing support and friend to PCFA. Many thanks to Kerri for arranging this event.

Kerri Wil kinson f Football rom the Freman tl Club pre sents do e Phantoms nation

Cootes Transport meets the challenge Cootes Transport Group delivers fuel for Shell Australia to metro retail outlets. Late last year Shell set the challenge to Cootes Transport to conduct their operations in a safe and incident free manner.

If they succeeded in achieving this, Shell promised to contribute monies to a nominated charity. Cootes employees chose PCFA as one of their drivers had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Cootes achieved the goals set by Shell and presented PCFA with a cheque for $5000, kindly donated by Shell, with sincere thanks.

nt) ing consulta A fundrais ) (W or er ad ss as ba Fr Michelle Trenton Jones (Am and

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SA $$$ from a diverse range of activities in SA In a superb sporting initiative, Adelaide’s Elizabeth Downs Soccer Club celebrated their 50th anniversary with a match against neighbours and competitors, Elizabeth Downs. A day of celebrations launched by the local Lord Mayor of Playford, Glenn Docherty, included 5 matches, 3 BBQs and post match celebrations with bands and an auction.

Over 2,000 people attended and over $18,000 was raised with the Elizabeth Vale Soccer Club generously tipping in further funds and finally donating $20,000.

For something entirely different the Coonawarra Vignerons Association made a big hearted donation of $10,000.

The money was raised at the 2010 Coonawarra Barrel Series Auction, an

annual event held during the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations. Barrels of wine are auctioned representing the “best of the best” Coonawarra cabernet, with net proceeds from the highest selling barrel donated to charity.

David and Pam Sandoe (Sydney Adventist Hospital Support Group) are flying in to Mt Gambier in October, to address the newly formed Limestone Coast Support Group and attend the 2011 Coonawarra Cabernet Celebration Dinner and the all-important charity auction. Advice from locals is “David, remember not to gesticulate too wildly during the auction…or you may be going home overweight!”

accompanied by owners in blue clothing.

The event will close with a unique experience including the horses and riders being loaded on to the historic Pichi Richi train for the return ride home.

Fundraising – at its best and most inventive, and PCFA – S.A. always makes sure our sincere appreciation is shown! Again, thank you to all our wonderful supporters – the Groups, the sponsors and the donors.

SA is looking forward to more exciting fundraising activities in 2011 with a 10 day horse ride through the beautiful country north of Adelaide; the southern Flinders Ranges. The ‘Champagne, Steam & Saddle Ride’ from Gladstone to Quorn over 10 days is the inspirational idea of Shan Daw and colleagues from the Southern Flinders Trail Horse Riding Club.

Horses and riders will be decked out in prostate cancer blue. A highlight of the ride will be a parade of over 40 horses, clad in blue saddle cloths and ribbons,

rs arsal by ride A dress rehe ounts and m

AFL keep their eyes on the ball

The project has been sustained by the generous support of SA power utility ESTA, Balls4Life is working in conjunction with PCFA and the AFL to not only raise funds but awareness. Recently a Urologist addressed an ETSA business audience to augment the awareness program.

Balls4Life Matthews said “Men too often put the health of others before themselves. Balls4Life has been created

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to turn that thinking around.” Similarly, AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said “Balls4Life aims to change the attitude of Australian men to improve early detection of illness.”

At time of going to print, almost $60,000 had been raised with $4,500 being the greatest amount

paid for a ball from the Geelong v Collingwood match in round 8, Geelong being the victors.

To place bids for the signed AFL Sherrin match balls visit the website www.balls4life.com.au Photo by Matt Turner: Courtesy of The Advertiser

As reported on page 9, Balls4Life is a national fundraising initiative developed

by South Australian business man Scott Matthews and his wife Kelly Nestor, a celebrity media presenter and commentator on news and politics. This marvelous initiative was enthusiastically embraced by the entire AFL. Pictured are Port Power captain Domenic Cassisi (left) and Adelaide Crows captain Nathan Van Berlo launching the project in Adelaide’s daily newspaper, The Advertiser.

menic tain Do wer cap e id Port Po la and Ade low Cassisi Van Ber n a th a N Crows

Mental Health Week, 9-15 October 2011 Depression and anxiety don’t discriminate. Do you?

help break down the stigma associated with depression and anxiety.

Depression and anxiety can affect anyone at any time but often, people won’t talk about how they’re feeling because they’re worried what others will think.

“This year, we will be aligning our awareness-raising efforts with Mental Health Week, which runs from Sunday 9 October to Saturday 15 October.

Mental Health Week is a national awareness event, held every October and incorporates World Mental Health Day (Monday 10 October).

Don’t let discrimination and stigma stop you, or someone else, from getting help.

Depression and anxiety can affect people’s thoughts, mood, behaviour and physical health. They are common illnesses - around one million Australian adults have depression and two million have an anxiety disorder. If it’s not you, it could be someone you know.

People with depression and anxiety need to talk to a doctor or other health professional to get appropriate treatment. beyondblue CEO Dawn O’Neil is encouraging everyone to make an effort during Mental Health Week, to

“During Mental Health Week, we are asking everyone individuals, community groups, schools and workplaces - to help raise awareness of depression and anxiety, and reduce the associated stigma. beyondblue information materials that can be displayed in workplaces, schools or community centres during Mental Health Week can be ordered via the beyondblue website from September,” says Dawn.

ut facts abo Get the nxiety n and a depressio g.au dblue.or n o y e .b w ww 636 300 22 4 or call 1

INDEPENDENCE AUSTRALIA SUPPORTING PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH We proudly support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) by providing specialist continence product advice and support to PCFA clients.

Independence Australia works closely with a number of healthcare foundations to support their causes.

This year in June the industry launched World Continence Week with the theme of “pelvic floor health”. 2011 is the first year that the Continence Foundation of Australia has gone global, with Continence Awareness Week now known as World Continence Week (held each year in the last week of June). The event focused on exercise and the pelvic floor, highlighting the importance of protecting and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) responsible for good bladder and bowel control.

While there can be many causes of incontinence apart from weak PFMs, these delicate and easily damaged muscles are often involved in stress urinary incontinence. It is important

to keep exercising and to choose forms of exercise that suit you and will not strain the PFMs (the website www.pelvicfloorfirst.com.au has more information). The Continence Foundation says that “it’s never too early and never too late” when it comes to improving incontinence, including strengthening the pelvic floor and getting good advice from a continence clinician about the many aspects of continence management.

At Independence Australia we have a range of continence products available to help manage incontinence discretely and comfortably. There is a range of disposable and washable products, urinals and urinary drainage aids.

We have an experienced Urology Continence Nurse Advisor that also understands the type of product support people living with prostate cancer need.

If you require assistance choosing the right product please contact our Urology Continence Nurse Advisor.

Independence Australia, a leading supplier of continence and health care products.

Easy ordering through our friendly customer service centre 1300 788 855 or online at www.independenceaustralia.com Fast home delivery all over Australia.

Very competitive prices with a great range of products.

Need Advice?

ASK THE NURSE

If you need advice on continence product choice and usage, please contact the Independence Australia Urology Continence Nurse Advisor on: 1300 788 855 or email askthenurse@independenceaustralia.com Independence Australia is proud to support the 12th Australasian Prostate Cancer Conference.

Information in this article has been referenced from the Continence Foundation of Australia.

For more information visit www.continence.org.au and www.pelvicfloorfirst.com.au

PROSTATE NEWS | 13

Tony Bilson – Australia’s original Masterchef Tony Bilson, the ‘Godfather of Australian Cuisine’, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in gastronomy. He has been recognised as one of Australia’s leading chefs for over 40 years and his restaurants have been milestones in the advance of Australian gastronomy.They include Tony’s Bon Gout, Berowra Waters Inn, Kinselas, Bilson’s at Circular Quay, Fine Bouche,Treasury at Sydney’s InterContinental Hotel, Ampersand, Canard, Bilson’s Restaurant at the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Number One Wine Bar. In 2003 with the opening of his flagship restaurant Bilson’s Tony was at the top of his game. Bilson’s received Two Hats in the 2005 and 2006 editions of the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and it was awarded Three Hat status in the 2007, 2008 and 2009 editions with a rating of 18/20. In his initial review (Good Living, 25 April 2006) Simon Thomsen said: ‘Tony Bilson has never cooked with

more intelligence and finesse. Bilson’s is a rare treat that should be loved, adored and honoured by every serious Sydney diner.’ In 2006 Tony was inducted into the Restaurant & Catering Hall of Fame and the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide honoured him with a special award for his contribution to the industry.

It was at this time that Tony received the news that he had prostate cancer. In his typical pragmatic manner he and Amanda, his wife of 25 years, adopted a positive frame of mind and were reassured by the fact that it had been caught early.

“I’ve been getting blood tests for years because of previous health issues, and that’s how I came to be diagnosed with prostate cancer seven years ago.

“Prostate cancer hasn’t been discussed much and hasn’t had much publicity. I talk about it very openly with my friends and ask them, ‘Have

you had your tests?’ If you catch it early on it’s much easier to treat.

With prostate cancer, there are a few different treatment options available.

My specialist at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital was pro-active in helping me make the right decision. The treatment recommended for me was brachytherapy [a form of radiotherapy]. Filaments are threaded through the prostate and high doses of radiation are then directed accurately to the cancer cells. I am in 100 per cent remission now and I never had any doubts that I’d get through it.

Right now thanks to my treatment I can look forward to the future and one of the highlights will be the launch of my memoir Insatiable – A Lifetime in the Kitchen, published by Murdoch Books, which is coming out in early October With thanks to Body and Soul for assistance with copy.

For your Big Aussie Barbie – plate up with Tony Bilson Like many Australian men Tony Bilson has said that one of the first places he leant to cook was around the barbecue.

BBQ recipes by Tony Bilson Whole Fish Baked in Newspaper

Kangaroo Sate

Build your fire in a shallow pit dug in the earth.

• 500g kangaroo fillet cut in to 2cm cubes • 10 bamboo skewers

• 2-3 kg fish, preferably trout, tuna or snapper • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Fresh herbs (sprigs of thyme, parsley, marjoram etc) • Lemon slices • 200g butter • 2 onions, quartered • 20 sheets of newspaper • Extra butter

BBQ tip from Tony Bilson: Barbecuing Fish: Fillets of fish tend to dry out over an open fire but small whole fish have a layer of fat under the skin that protects them. Because of this I tend to wrap fillets in aluminum kitchen foil with some butter or oil and seasoning. While grilling small whole fish, baste them with oil or butter. For large fish I like the old fisherman’s method of wrapping the fish in newspaper and burying them in the coals.

14 | PROSTATE NEWS

Method Season the fish generously with salt and pepper. Mix together the herbs, butter, lemon and onion and stuff the cavity.Wet the sheets of newspaper and wrap the fish tightly, layer on layer.

Scrape the coals away from the centre of the fire. Place the fish in the coals and cover it with more hot coals. Leave the fish in the coals for 30 minutes by which time most of the paper will have burned away but there should still be a few layers protecting the fish. Cut the paper from the fish, place the fish on a tray, dot with some fresh butter, season with some freshly ground black pepper and serve. Serves 6 – 8

Marinade • 1 tablespoon red curry paste • 1 teaspoon crushed fresh ginger • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh red chili pepper • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander • 1 tablespoon chopped shallots • 2 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped • Juice of 1 lime • ¼ cup sesame oil Method Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 2 hours or overnight.

Thread the cubes of kangaroo onto the bamboo skewers.

Mix together the ingredients for the marinade. Pour the marinade over the cubes of kangaroo.Turn them over so that all the meat is coated and leave to marinate for 2 hours. Cook quickly (no more than 5 minutes each side) over a moderate fire so that the meat does not dry out.

Australia’s first Proton Therapy facility offers new hope in prostate cancer treatment.

By Sue Bleasel, Director of Planning and Operations, Proton Therapy Australia. rotational gantry or by fixed beam lines enabling radiation oncologists to deliver the protons. Technology known as pencil beam scanning, paints the tumour with ionising energy, layer by layer and the speed is controlled by a series of magnets.

What is critically different with protons over even the most sophisticated conventional radiotherapy is that the majority of killing energy is delivered just to the tumour.

Proton Therapy is an advanced cancer treatment and, like other sophisticated medical treatments, is more expensive than conventional care. Nonetheless, Proton Therapy Australia anticipates that the treatment will cost considerably less than Proton Therapy overseas.

Proton Therapy is regarded as one of the most advanced treatments for cancer in the radiotherapy market.

Proton Therapy allows the clinician to target the cancer cells directly, killing the cells without harming the healthy tissue around the tumour.

The result is patients have few side effects post treatment.

There are more than 60 proton facilities operating or under construction in the northern hemisphere, with most attached to prestigious cancer centres.

Therefore, this technology is not new but has yet to be introduced to Australia.

Proton Therapy is noted as being particularly useful for prostate cancer.

It is considered to be as precise as some prostate surgeries; but is painless, allows for the retention of the prostate gland, produces few side effects and is delivered on an outpatient basis. Aside from prostate cancer, protons are recognised as valuable in the treatment

of head and neck, brain and spinal, lung, gastrointestinal and paediatric cancers.

More than 9,000 men have received Proton Therapy for prostate cancer at the Loma Linda proton centre in California. [Incidentally, more than 230 Australian men with prostate cancer sought proton therapy at the same facility over the period 2005–2011.]

Proton Therapy Australia (PTA) is currently planning to design, build and operate a Proton Therapy facility in East Sydney. The facility will cost in excess of $200million with the first patient treatment scheduled for 2014.

The science behind Proton Therapy uses the protons from hydrogen atoms that are left after the electrons are removed.

An accelerator accelerates the protons then sends them through a beam transport system to individual treatment rooms where they are used to treat tumours.

Patients are immobilised in the treatment rooms wherein the proton beam is precisely aligned as prescribed by the treatment plan, by either a 360

For those interested in seeking further evidence on the treatment and effects of Proton Therapy, The Brotherhood of the Balloon http://www.protonbob.com/ is a US website that provides information for men about proton therapy for prostate cancer. They say, “You will learn much more about any option by talking with someone who has been through it than from any other source”.

If you would like to

speak with an Australian Radiation Oncologist

for advice about Proton

Therapy, or if you would

like to speak to Australians who have been successfully

treated with proton therapy, go to the pull down menu

‘Contact Us’ on PTA’s website

http://www.protontherapy.

com.au/html/. Your email

address will be forwarded

to PTA’s clinical advisor or

patient advocates whichever is your request.

PROSTATE NEWS | 15

Host a Big Aussie Barbie fundraiser this September

To find out about fundraising events in your state visit:

Register now at prostate.org.au

prostate.org.au THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT MEN’S HEALTH PARTNER MOVEMBER FOUNDATION MEN’S HEALTH PARTNER MOVEMBER FOUNDATION

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For more information about prostate cancer and PCFA, please call 1800 22 00 99, or visit prostate.org.au

I want to help find a cure for prostate cancer.

Please find enclosed my donation of $ Name: Address:

Postcode: Phone: ( ) Email

Please make your Cheque Money order payable to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia OR Please debit my VISA MASTERCARD AMEX

Please send me, in confidence, information on how I can help Prostate

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Cancer Foundation of Australia through my will.

I have already included Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia in my will.

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All donations $2 and over are tax deductible Please mail to: PCFA PO Box 1332, Lane Cove NSW 1595 or donate onlineNEWS at prostate.org.au 16 PROSTATE

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