Prostate News Issue 37

37

ISSUE

Prostate News

March 2009

The inaugural PCFA national conference – a great opportunity to plan the way ahead.

Supporting Quality of Life PCFA National Conference PCFA’s inaugural national conference held in November 2008 on the Gold Coast focused on Supporting Quality of Life. Attended by more than 500 delegates from all over Australia this enormously successful conference attracted excellent local and international speakers. For those who weren’t able to attend we show here synopses of a sample of the wide range of important presentations that were delivered over the two days. These included: • • • • • • • • • • •

Dealing with a diagnosis of prostate cancer Research Consumer advocacy Testing for prostate cancer Treatment options Bladder and sexual rehabilitation Clinical trials Dealing with depression Support groups Palliative care Translational medicine.

Thinking about ED before surgery - Dr Michael Gillman, Health Institute for Men, Brisbane.

When a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, the focus is firmly on how best to treat the disease. Unfortunately, this means that too often, post-prostate cancer treatment issues are only dealt with as they happen. Dr Michael Gillman spoke about rehabilitation after prostate cancer surgery and, in particular, regaining erectile function as quickly as possible.

According to Dr Gillman, this is also a good time for men to reassess their whole lifestyle, focusing on overall health and fitness. The Health Institute for Men provides a comprehensive health care service for men, covering a range of health issues such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, health checks including prostate tests and general lifestyle consultations such as fitness and weight loss for men.

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FROM THE CEO Two recent initiatives by the Federal Government have been welcomed by PCFA. Firstly, PCFA commends the Federal Government on its announcement for a second prostate cancer research centre to be developed in Queensland at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and hosted by the Queensland University of Technology.

The announcement in February came only two months after Federal Treasurer, The Hon Wayne Swan MP, announced the establishment of the Epworth Prostate Cancer Research Centre (Victoria) which will be Australia’s first dedicated research centre for prostate cancer. It is great to have the Government starting to give some real attention to prostate cancer research and I am confident that the establishment of these two dedicated research centres will lead to better detection and treatment.

The second initiative was the announcement by the Minister for Health and Ageing, The Hon Nicola Roxon, of the development of a National Men’s Health Policy. The aim is to improve the health of Australian men throughout their lives and to implement policies to encourage the health system to be more responsive to the needs of men and their health. Obviously PCFA is working hard to ensure that the voices of men with prostate cancer and their families, are heard in the development of the policy. I would encourage everyone interested in men’s health to visit www.health.gov.au to learn more about how to be involved in this important process.

I highlight both these initiatives because I believe it is a credit to the supporters of PCFA that we have been involved in both processes.

Firstly, PCFA was already funding research at both the hospitals to be awarded the centres and this confirms that our research funding is going to the best centres with the top researchers. Secondly, since the middle of last year, PCFA has been leading a nationwide initiative to bring together all the peak bodies in men’s health to one table to coordinate services, develop greater collaboration and, most importantly, avoid duplication.

Your support has enabled PCFA to be proactive about approaching the Government and seeking to work in partnership with them for better health outcomes for all Australian men.

Andrew Giles

2 PROSTATENEWS PROSTATE NEWS

National Board Chairman – Graeme Johnson Deputy Chairman – David Sandoe OAM Finance Director – Chris Hall Research Chairman – Professor John Mills Medical Specialists – Associate Professor Phil Stricker, Professor Tony Costello Support and Advocacy Committee Chairman – Bill McHugh Rotary – John Palmer State Chairmen – Steve Callister (NSW), David Curtain QC (VIC), Jim Freemantle (WA), Jim Hughes (QLD) Independent Directors – Professor Dexter Dunphy, Anita Ziemer, Patricia Watson, Jim O’Ryan John Palmer National Board Member John Palmer (BA ‘72, BSc App Hons (Building) ‘76, FAIM, FAIB, MIAA) has been part of PCFA since it was established in 1996 under the auspices of Lane Cove Rotary Club, of which John was a member and Presidentelect. On the recommendation of Roger Climpson, a Rotary Club member who had been successfully treated for prostate cancer, PCFA aimed to raise research funding for a disease that was claiming the lives of almost 3000 Australian men each year.

John is the managing director of Building Durability Pty Ltd, which provides consulting and management services to the building industry. He is also a director and owner of the specialist material supply and consultation firm, Research and Applied Technologies Pty Ltd. John’s extensive business experience makes him a valuable asset to PCFA, which he serves as part of the Finance Committee.

'One of the most rewarding aspects of being involved with PCFA is seeing how unbelievably successful the organisation has been,' said John.

'Its ability to continually achieve and surpass its fundraising and research goals has made it Australia’s peak body for prostate cancer and a national leader in funding prostate cancer research.'

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL Movember 2008 was the biggest ever, with record numbers of participants around the globe joining the fun to help raise awareness about men’s health. Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne in 2003, Movember has become an international phenomenon as dedicated ‘Mo Growers’, along with their partners, families and colleagues, show their support each year in the fight against prostate cancer and depression.

The sixth annual Movember celebration saw a total of 124,622 registered Mo Bros and Mo Sistas nationwide participating in fundraising activities and events around the country. 2008 was also the second year that Movember went global, with 173,436 registered participants in countries such as the USA, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Spain.

The Australian Movember festivities were embraced by various celebrity ambassadors including fast bowler and renowned Mo Grower Dennis Lillee, members of the Australian cricket team and Aussie Rules and Rugby League stars. V8 Supercar drivers Rick Kelly and Paul Dumbrell not only grew their facial hair, but also attached moustaches to their cars to highlight the cause to a predominantly male audience.

Each year more and more regional centres and businesses are showing their support by promoting Movember and hosting their own ‘Mo Town’ and ‘Mo Office’ parties. In 2008 there were 2547 parties held in organisations and regional centres throughout Australia, with prizes given to the highest fundraiser and best Mo Grower.

'The great thing is that businesses and communities of all sizes are participating,' said Luke Slattery, co-founder of Movember.

'Whether it’s a local coffee shop, a Top 50 corporation or a mining town in far north Queensland, everyone who participates helps us get the message across to men from all walks of life.'

Movember As always, the end of November was a real time for celebration – as Movember Gala Partés were held in every Australian capital city and all types of Mo Growers, from business executives to uni students, sported their moustaches along with some truly outrageous costumes.

The total fundraising tally is yet to be finalised, but will exceed the $14.8 million raised by the public in 2007. Once again, this money will be donated to fund vital men’s health projects conducted through PCFA and beyondblue: the national depression initiative.

'The Movember Foundation has excellent working relationships with both organisations, who really understand where the greatest needs are,' Luke said. 'As we start knuckling down to work on Movember 2009, it’s great to know that the funds raised will be going to some really amazing projects.'

PCFA CEO Andrew Giles commented: 'Movember 2008 was another outstanding success for everyone involved in the fight against prostate cancer and, as a result, PCFA’s National Chairman recently announced a further $4 million to fund world-class prostate cancer research in Australia.

'The announcement was made during the inaugural PCFA national conference in November 2008. This very successful conference was another direct benefit of Movember and highlighted the urgent work we need to do to support the quality of life of men living with prostate cancer. There is still much to be done to help these men and their partners and, with the fantastic support of Movember, we can ensure the ongoing delivery of vital services around Australia.'

Growing the Mo – it’s a matter of style!

PROSTATENEWS 3

CONTINUED FROM COVER

Pelvic floor – use it, or lose it - Associate Professor Pauline Chiarelli, Physiotherapy Program, University of Newcastle, NSW. Associate Professor Chiarelli gave delegates a fascinating insight into the male pelvic floor, and the impact pelvic floor exercises can have on continence and erectile dysfunction following prostate cancer treatment.

For male incontinence, while the prostate is sometimes involved, more often symptoms are caused by LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms), which can start in men a lot earlier than most people think.

'While men do have incontinence after prostate treatment, it’s the LUTS – the urgency, the frequency, the nocturia, the hesitation, peeing in teaspoons full, stopping and starting - that impact on the quality of life in men in a major way.'

Those experiencing erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment can also benefit from pelvic floor exercises - if the nerve supply is intact.

Professor Chiarelli’s parting message was simple. 'When it comes to your pelvic floor, you either use it, or lose it.'

Palliative care – helping to make the journey worth living - Glenys Webby, Community Care Advisor, Blue Care.

People who are terminally ill often say that they aren’t afraid of dying, but they are afraid of the journey. This is why a good palliative care plan is so important. According to Glenys Webby, 'It is about getting informed early and about using the resources that are available - at the right time, the right place and with the right people involved.'

Many people think palliative care is only for people in the final stages of a terminal disease, but the early stages of palliative care can start years before. Palliative care can then continue to the end, and even after death where support continues for the bereaved family.

One recommendation is to complete an Advanced Health Directive. This tool helps people think about what they would want in their final stages, in the event that they cannot make their

4 PROSTATENEWS

wishes known. It looks at issues including the level of support the individual wants at different stages, whether they wish to be resuscitated and what sort of care they want.

'We are not ‘experts’, telling the individual how it should be done . . . we want to work in partnership with [people] to come up with a plan of care that meets their needs.'

For more information call Blue Care in Queensland and northern NSW. For other parts of Australia, contact your GP, local hospital, Home and Community Care program (HACC) or Carelink on 1800 052 222.

Prostate cancer research – finding the future - Professor John Mills, Chair PCFA Research Committee.

Without a doubt, research carried out in Australia today will save lives in the future, especially in the field of prostate cancer – and at the national conference, PCFA announced a further $4.4m in research funding.

PCFA’s research priorities focus on finding a good noninvasive test for the presence of prostate cancer and new chemotherapy drugs to treat it. To support this, PCFA is also working to build scientific manpower and to increase research funding – in the hope that this will be a catalyst for the Government to increase their funding for this important research.

There are two categories of PCFA grants that specifically focus on fostering scientific talent. The Young Investigator program funds those who attained their doctorates between two and seven years ago for a further four years to enable them to build an independent career and become distinguished prostate cancer scientists of the future. The PCFA Concept Grants program aims to entice distinguished senior scientists working in other areas into prostate cancer research. 'We’re looking to fund people working in engineering, immunology, or in other forms of cancer, who have a good idea that might apply to prostate cancer,' Professor Mills said.

According to Professor Mills, all research is a long, complicated, expensive and often frustrating process. However, he is confident that PCFA-funded research conducted today will have significant impact on men with prostate cancer in the future.

Casting the Prostate Net - Virgil Simons, founder and President, Prostate Net, USA*.

According to Virgil Simons, there are serious inequities in the health care available to men and he spoke about how PCFA and local support groups can help address these in terms of access to information and to better care.

Prostate Net works alongside PCFA through the International Union Against Cancer and the Worldwide Prostate Cancer Coalition. This relationship, combined with Virgil Simons’ observation of PCFA support group delegates, led him to believe that Australia is on the verge of a great leap forward in terms of addressing this disparity.

'There’s a tremendous amount of vitality and a willingness to make something happen,' said Virgil. 'I think it’s a case where the Foundation is going to need to probably bring some oversight to it, and … to create an agenda for action that gets the support groups involved … and really moves them toward the way they need to be going.

'It has to be an integrated strategy. In many ways, it’s like the breast cancer strategy was in America, going back 20 or so years ago. A lot of passion. A lot of energy. Not totally focused.

Then you had Fran Visco and the National Breast Cancer Coalition. She was able to start pulling it together to create an action agenda and a very unified team to really get some things done. I think you can do the same thing here.'

A 13-year prostate cancer survivor, Virgil Simons used his experiences to create Prostate Net. The organisation now uses various methods to deliver information to increase awareness and encourage early detection, including a website, free-call phone number, pod and cell phone casts, email, personal team counsellors, public forums, newsletters and community disease interventions.

*

A not-for-profit patient education and advocacy organisation.

PCFA Support Groups Declaration At the close of the conference, PCFA Support Group members presented the Board and management with a declaration on patient-centred involvement in pcfa policies and research. They acclaimed PCFA's mission to reduce the impact of prostate cancer on the Australian community and looked to PCFA to:

•

•

•

• •

include translational research, clinical trials and psychosocial research within the scope of PCFA-funded research investigate avenues for improving the quality of life of those with advanced or metastatic disease provide professional submissions to government enquiries and review and planning processes

• •

• •

advocate for the establishment of a prostate cancer desk within government administration increase opportunities for consumer participation on internal committees and within external forums support training and development programs

for support group members to discharge consumer representation roles with credibility publicise the support group role, services and capacity to complement professional medical advice along the cancer care pathway collaborate with kindred organisations that address complementary aspects of men’s health make greater use of technology for the provision of information and resources to the public.

PROSTATENEWS 5

Men’s HEALTH ambassadors Men’s Health Ambassador - Paul Kelly Paul Kelly, one of PCFA’s newest Men’s Health Ambassadors, is based in Capel, Western Australia, just south of Bunbury.

His interest in men’s health took a dramatic turn in May 2007 when he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, and since then he has experienced a ‘steep learning curve’ in dealing with numerous specialists, treatments and therapies, as well as a rollercoaster of emotions.

After reading about PCFA’s Ambassador Speaker program in Prostate News, Paul felt it was an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against prostate cancer. Before retiring ten years ago, Paul worked as an Air Traffic Services Manager.

He is no stranger to public speaking, which makes him an ideal candidate to spread the word about men’s health.

'With the benefit of hindsight, my prostate cancer experience may have been better had I a better understanding of the disease,' said Paul, 'hence my interest in initiatives such as the Ambassador Speaker program.'

Since starting the role two months ago, Paul has already

6 PROSTATENEWS

garnered $2000 in donations from local organisations to fund the purchase of a laptop and data projector to use in community presentations.

'The most rewarding part so far has been networking to establish contacts, and the community response has been excellent,' Paul said. 'I’m looking forward to gaining some positive feedback when I start delivering presentations within the community.'

During October and November 2008 Victorian and NSW Ambassadors gave 51 community presentations to a total of 1804 people. Training has been completed in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Recruitment is underway for Men’s Health Ambassador Speakers in the Northern Territory, with public speaking training to be held in Darwin from 9 to 10 May 2009.

A Men’s Health Kit and standard presentation on prostate health and continence health are also provided. PCFA is particularly interested in recruiting Ambassador Speakers in regional, rural and remote areas.

Please contact Erin Woodman ewoodman@prostate.org.au or call 1800 206 700 to register your interest.

TWO NEW STUDIES ON SEXUALITY AFTER CANCER ­– VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Sexuality and intimacy A new study based at the School of Psychology at the University of Western Sydney, in collaboration with PCFA, the Cancer Council of NSW, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Westmead Hospital, is exploring the effects of cancer and cancer treatments on sexuality and intimacy in relationships.

'Sexuality and intimacy are key aspects of an individual’s quality of life and these can be detrimentally affected by cancer,' says Professor Jane Ussher, one of the chief investigators.

Many couples report that physical intimacy and sexual contact stop or are reduced after cancer, resulting in considerable distress. However, sexuality is rarely addressed by health professionals and remains largely invisible within policy and practice guidelines developed to improve the quality of life of people with cancer and their partners. This Australian Research Council-funded project will look at the experiences of intimacy and sexuality post-cancer from the perspective of people with cancer and their partners, leading to the development of a supportive intervention to help couples deal with sexuality post-cancer. The aim is to help partner organisations gain insight into ways to assist cancer patients and their families negotiate their intimate relationships, in order to improve quality of life.

The project team is looking for people with cancer and intimate partners of a person with cancer to take part in the study. This will involve completing a questionnaire, and if you are interested, taking part in a supportive intervention.

To take part, contact the project co-ordinator Caroline Joyce on1800 19 20 02 or cancerandsexuality@uws.edu.au

ED AND PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT What happens to your sex life after prostate cancer treatment? That’s a key question that looms large in the minds of men facing this health crisis. To help find the answer, Bettina Arndt, well-known social commentator and sex therapist, is seeking volunteers for a new research project to examine the sexual changes that occur in this situation and the impact on the couple’s sex life. She needs men and women willing to talk about topics like these: •

• • •

Changes in sexual equipment following treatment, including loss of erections, shorter penis.

Tension in the relationship due to these changes.

Men who retreat from intimacy to avoid failure.

Experiences with the new erection drugs - which ones work better? What are the side-effects?

•

•

•

Women and Viagra – how do women feel about their partners using the drugs?

What’s it like to be a single man who can’t get an erection?

How does a new partner react?

Women who are happy to call a halt to sex.

Bettina Arndt needs men and women willing to share their experiences with these issues and couples who will keep diaries showing how men and women cope with this difficult situation.

Her previous research has shown these diaries are a powerful research tool which also help couples ease tensions over sex.

Bettina’s confidential, professional support aids in this process.

All information will be treated as totally confidential and handled with the utmost discretion.

For more information visit www.bettinaarndt.com.au

PROSTATE NEWS 7

New RAVES trial for prostate cancer patients A major prostate cancer trial is due to be launched across Australia and New Zealand in early February 2009, which is being supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. It’s called RAVES (Radiotherapy – Adjuvant Versus Early Salvage).

Nearly one third of all men who have surgery to remove their prostate cancer will have ‘high risk features’, meaning there is a significant chance that the cancer will return. Recent research has shown that giving immediate radiotherapy after prostate cancer surgery (called adjuvant therapy) significantly reduces the chance of cancer returning. However, it may be equally effective to watch men very closely and give radiotherapy as soon as the PSA begins to rise (called salvage radiotherapy). This would result in nearly half of patients avoiding radiotherapy and any side-effects that can occur from this treatment.

This randomised trial has been developed by the Australian and New Zealand Radiotherapy Cancer Research organisation TROG (Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group) in collaboration with the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ). RAVES has successfully attracted more than $2 million in funding and now needs men from Australasia who are diagnosed as ‘high risk’ following prostate cancer surgery.

Clinical trials such as these are essential to advance knowledge and to improve cancer treatments. For more information about RAVES, visit the TROG Cancer Research website: www.trog.com.au, or email the RAVES Co-Chairpersons: Dr Maria Pearse (mariap@adhb.govt.nz) and Dr Andrew Kneebone (AKneebone@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au) or the Trial Coordinator: Carol Fraser-Brown on CarolFB@adhb.govt.nz.

VIC MEET ROBERT WEISZ As PCFA’s new State Manager for Victoria and Tasmania, Robert Weisz feels like a shipwrecked sailor returned to shore.

'When I introduce myself I am invariably met with a sigh, a wide smile and the phrase, ‘We have been waiting for you for a long time!’ ', he said.

targets set for fundraising and corporate partnership and to grow and strengthen the support group network.

Robert points to the success of the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Pink Ribbon campaign as a key motivation in accepting the role. 'I applaud the pink ribbon campaign but when I read that prostate cancer is more prevalent than breast cancer I became determined to ensure that men don’t get left behind'.

It seems a State Manager for Victoria and Tasmania has been on the agenda for some time and that means a long line of visitors for Robert. 'The national staff members based in the Melbourne office have done a marvellous job wearing multiple hats and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead'.

Robert previously spent three years as CEO of Comic Relief Australia, an international charity introduced to Australia in 2005 by the Seven Network and Oxfam Australia. Prior to this he held key marketing and media roles in Australia and the UK. 'My previous position involved managing a team and coordinating a large group of committed volunteers to raise funds, grow a brand, secure corporate support and drive awareness. I intend to use this experience – combined with marketing and media skills – to play a key role in the battle against prostate cancer.'

The Victoria and Tasmania State Manager role is a key appointment in the continued development and growth of PCFA and involves driving national strategy through effective state initiatives. Robert will work with the Victorian Board to meet the

A NEW OFFICE FOR PCFA VICTORIA PCFA Victoria has a brand new office on Melbourne’s Queen Street. This is a great new space bringing together all state staff in the one location. The new office will accommodate PCFA board meetings, local support group initiatives and allows staff to work together more efficiently while reducing costs.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia 15-17 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Phone: 03 9948 2070, melbourne@prostate.org.au 8 PROSTATE NEWS

NSW TABLE 4 TEN Forty chic dinner parties held simultaneously on 11 November in Sydney’s top restaurants and selected venues officially launched a new concept in fundraising for PCFA. At each of the exclusive Sydney venues including Tetsuya’s, Guillaume at Bennelong, Aria, Marque and Otto, a host and their nine guests were treated to a specially designed gourmet menu for the Table 4 Ten (T4T) diners and Glandore Estate wines.

Following the meal, guests were transported to the secret afterparty venue - the prestigious Blue Hotel in Woolloomooloo.

'We wanted to create a charity event that people would really want to attend,' said committee director Robbie Robertson. 'T4T has broad appeal and allows us to turn a serious health message into a glamorous and fun evening that continues to raise prostate cancer awareness.' Not only that, but T4T offers a once-in-alifetime experience that won’t break the bank.

Table 4 Ten committee (minus chairman Robbie Robertson).

Left to right: Howard Steeves, Jason Laufer, Patrick Moloney, Derek Raney, Wendy Farrow, Christian Rowell, Tim Duggan, Annie Tobias, Stephen Digby, Clare Griffith, Darren Rudd

This initial event exceeded the fundraising target of $110,000 in both cash and in-kind donations and drew more than 300 people together to raise funds and awareness in the fight against prostate cancer.

For more information on Table 4 Ten and participating restaurants for 2009, please contact info@t4t.com.au or visit www.t4t.com.au

RIDE RIGHT ROUND In April 2009, Simon Buckley will begin a circumnavigation of the planet by motorcycle beginning in Melbourne and traversing Australia, South East Asia, China, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Europe, and then on to the Americas before returning to Australia via New Zealand. The core theme is ‘With support, anything is possible’ and Simon is raising funds for PCFA. Simon intends to give presentations en route on prostate cancer, travel or whatever suits the local audience, as well as giving the

media and the public a reason to talk about prostate cancer.

'I want to support men’s issues in a proactive way,' said Simon, 'and not wait until I have had a personal experience with prostate cancer. Dealing with prostate cancer is about men facing up to their responsibilities. My trip is also about facing the unknown and showing that it can be overcome.'

For more information visit www.riderightround.com

BYRON BAY TO BONDI BEACH Over last Christmas and New Year, Scott Timbrell from Bondi and Rob Lowe from Manly, set out on a 20-day adventure braving 5m swells, 30-knot winds, reefs, sharks and muscle fatigue, as they paddled a two–person kayak for 740 km down the east coast of Australia - raising more than $10,000 for prostate cancer.

Scott Timbrell (left) and Robin Lowe arrive at Bondi Beach on 9 January 2009.

Scott’s father was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, but with treatment is now fit and well and shadowed the pair down the coast with fundraising events in towns along the way. All equipment was organised by friends, sponsors and supporters.

Scott and Rob were relative novices when it comes to sea kayaking.

According to Scott, 'We were told about sharks and dangerous weather, but when my dad got diagnosed with prostate cancer, I thought I could either sit around and do nothing or get up and do something about it. So off we went.'

PROSTATE NEWS 9

QLD

RUMBLE RIDERS No matter who you are in this world you will be affected by cancer. Maybe not by contracting the disease, but almost certainly by knowing someone who has it. So what do you do to help?

If you ride a motorcycle, you could invite your friends and their mates to go for a ride to raise money and awareness to help fight the disease. And that’s what the Rumble Riders decided to do.

On the inaugural Rumble Ride in 2008, more than 90 bikers met in Rockhampton to ride to Uluru and on the way raised money for PCFA. Members of the Queensland PCFA travelled with the ride and took two prostate cancer survivors, Ross Gomersall and Daryl Hyland, along to spread the word about prostate cancer.

To turn a good idea into a success, it takes an extraordinary effort by a lot of dedicated people. Andrew Bennett from Pickering’s Auto Group of Townsville and Hyundai Australia supplied a PCFA-signed new Hyundai IMAX van for the PCFA team to travel in. Rockhampton Harley-Davidson threw a meet-andgreet BBQ on Anzac Day eve for everyone before the ride, as well as donating $1,000 in gift certificates. Sandie and Tony Janssen from the Browns Plains Coffee Club and Mick and Leslie Schinkel of Fitzroy Trophies in Rockhampton were superb organisers and contributors, as was fellow rider Billie O’Rourke (Rocker Billy) who performed every night of the ride.

For those worried about breaking down in the middle of nowhere, the ride was mechanically backed up by Tex O’Grady, owner of TJ Motorcycle Performance from Sydney and dealers Mount Isa Harley and Desert Edge Harley in Alice Springs who serviced bikes through the night.

The generosity of rural folk is legendary. 'With the drought and everyone doing it tough out there, once people knew what we were raising money for, they would still hand over $20 or $50 for the cause,' said Graeme Higgs, PCFA Queensland State Manager. The ride raised an astonishing $47,000! A big thank-you to everyone for making this ride such a success.

Rumble to the Top 2009 leaves Rockhampton 14 April and winds its way to Darwin.

For details contact rumbletotherock@hotmail.com.

BOARD MATTERS The PCFA Queensland Board has just finished its first two years in operation and inaugural, and now outgoing Chairman, Terry Jackman, recently reflected on the achievements.

'We’ve gone from a manager working from home to a full-scale Brisbane office, with paid and volunteer staff,' Terry said. 'Along the way we have dramatically increased the level of local fundraising, seen $1.7m worth of funding distributed to Queensland-based researchers and successfully delivered PCFA’s first national conference.'

Jim Hughes will be Terry Jackman’s successor as Chairman. Jim is a leading financial consultant who foresees a period of great growth in PCFA Queensland. 'We have all the basics to build on now,' he said. 'I expect that the next three years will bring enormous opportunities for us in Queensland, to build awareness of prostate cancer and to raise money for research.'

The new PCFA Queensland office is at 145 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane.

Telephone +61 7 3166 2140, E-mail queensland@prostate.org.au

WA Localised Prostate Cancer - Short Course pilot The pilot program for the short courses on Localised Prostate Cancer has been a great success with the first three short courses held in late 2008 and early 2009. These were very well attended, allowing for intimate interactive sessions, and those attending were very positive about the quality of the content and the presenters.

'I think this was a very worthwhile initiative by PCFA. They are to be congratulated on what they have put together, and how they have done it' said one attendee, adding that, 'Repeats would be most desirable.'

Another said, 'Again most useful and gives lots of food for thought. Much more interesting that expected. Thanks for a great course, great speakers and good planning.'

The fourth round of the course will commence on Wednesday 6 May 2009. Visit www.prostate.org.au/a_living_with_prostate_ cancer.php to register your interest.

SUPPORT GROUPS FOR WA Following earlier discussions, the WA Chapter Council was formed in October 2008 in Bunbury to provide assistance to the state’s existing support groups and to lead in the development of new support groups throughout Western Australia.

The Chapter is well on track and has already proceeded to quarterly meetings, the first of which was held in February this year. There are currently six established support groups providing support and information to the public through regular monthly meetings, including the new Perth-based Western Suburbs Prostate Cancer Support Group. And there are plans for a new group to be established in the Fremantle area and in Bridgetown in the rural south-west of Western Australia.

Elders continue to support PCFA ‘Elders’ is a byword for rural services, farm supplies, property and finance in Western Australia. And in 2008 Elders generously agreed to support the fight against prostate cancer by accommodating a PCFA display at the Elders Pavilion at the Wagin Woolorama Rural Show Day. The display was manned by WA board member Dennis Jones and Western Australia state manager, Debra Royle.

Following the success of the display, Elders have chosen to support PCFA again in 2009. The PCFA display will be in the Elders Pavilion at Wagin Woolorama from 6 to 7 March 2009 and at the Elders Pavilion at the Dowerin Machinery Field Day on 4 April 2009. We look forward to seeing you there!

COOL NIGHT CLASSIC PricewaterhouseCoopers hosted their annual corporate fun-run, the Cool Night Classic, on Wednesday 5 November last year. More than 1800 runners participated in the 5 kilometre fun-run which follows the course of Perth’s Swan River, raising $26,000 for PCFA, the Cool Night Classic’s beneficiary for 2008. PCFA is delighted with this donation and we thank PricewaterhouseCoopers for their generosity.

The cheque from PricewaterhouseCoopers for $26,000 which was presented to PCFA Western Australia Manager, Debra Royle at the ‘cool down’ after the race. L to R: Anna Gurrie, Cate Harman, Debra Royle and George Doubikin.

UPCOMING PCFA EVENTS For more information see www.prostate.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99

6-7

Wagin Field Day

WA

8

Touch Rugby League

QLD

8

CUSC Charity Gala Day in support of PCFA

NSW

11

2009 Australian Rugby League Masters Carnival

QLD

14

NSW Association of Caravan Clubs Annual Rally

NSW

14

Dr Mark Moyad Public Lecture

VIC

16

Willmott Forests Charity Golf Day

VIC

17

Dr Mark Moyad Public Lecture

WA

21

Public Lecture - Prostate Cancer - Continence and Erectile Function

WA

21-22

Men’s Health Ambassador Speaker Training

SA

24-27

NSW Police Rugby Carnival

NSW

30

Abercromby Golf Day

VIC

4

Blue Ribbon Motorcycle Ride

NSW

11-12

Barry Sheene Festival of Speed

NSW

14

Rumble Ride – Rockhampton to Darwin

QLD

19

Pirtek Fishing Challenge

NATIONAL

20

Getaway Trekking – Prostate Cancer

VIC

May

28-7 June

Tour de Cure

SA

June

15-22

Men’s Health Week

NATIONAL

March

April

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT. BLUE DIAMOND PARTNERS

PLATINUM PARTNERS

SAPPHIRE PARTNER

GOLD PARTNERS ROTARY CLUB OF TERRY HILLS TOUR DE CURE ROTARY CLUB OF LANE COVE SOUTHERN CROSS EQUITIES BRAMBLES SHELL AUSTRALIA POST

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If you would like to receive additional copies of Prostate News or more information about prostate cancer please call Freecall 1800 22 00 99, email prostate@prostate.org.au or visit www.prostate.org.au

I want to help find a cure for prostate cancer.

Please find enclosed my donation of $ Name: Address:

Postcode: Phone: ( ) Email lease send me, in confidence, information on how I can help P the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia through my will.

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible 12 PROSTATE NEWS Please mail to: PCFA PO Box 1332, Lane Cove NSW 1595

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

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Expiry: _ _ / _ _ Signature

Thank you for your support

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