Prostate News Issue 41

ISSUE

Prostate News

41

March 2010

Advancing Quality of Life The next PCFA National Conference, Advancing Quality of Life, will be convened on the Gold Coast from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 August 2010. Bringing together leading Australian and international speakers, the conference will showcase the latest developments in prostate cancer research, management, health promotion, treatment and support.

The conference will have designated streams for scientific research, clinical developments, support group instruction and healthcare professional training. Confirmed key international speakers include: • Dr John Mulhall, a microsurgeon and specialist in sexual and reproductive medicine from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre. Dr Mulhall is the author of the recently released book Saving Your Sex Life: A Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer.

• Dr Peter Scardino, a surgeon who is the head of the Prostate Cancer Program at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, who along with other colleagues has pioneered the use of statistical models to predict the natural progression of prostate cancer and how it will respond to treatment.

• Mr Virgil Simmons, founder of Prostate Net in the USA, whose innovative approaches to health promotion (using barbers and other networks to convey health messages) have been used as models in numerous countries around the world – including Australia The combined meeting of the Australian Canadian Prostate Cancer Research Alliance and the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland will be held as a satellite to the main conference.

“We are very excited at the prospect of convening a conference that could deliver so much value across a range of areas,” said PCFA CEO, Andrew Giles, “As the peak Australian body in prostate cancer, we feel very privileged to be in a position to facilitate a meeting among key stakeholders in research, healthcare professional education, support groups and health promotion.

“In 2008 we brought all these players together for the first time. In 2010 we will be using the meeting as an opportunity to map a way forward for dealing better with prostate cancer in Australia.”

Register online by following the links at www.prostate.org.au, emailing conference@prostate.org.au or calling the PCFA Conference Hotline – 1800 668 137.

FROM THE CEO

National Board Chairman – Graeme Johnson

2010 got off to a flying start with the visit by Dr Charles ‘Snuffy’ Myers. PCFA was honoured to be able to bring Dr Myers to Australia to provide new insight into how we should be approaching treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Close to 1,000 people attended the three public seminars given by Dr Myers, who also met with urologists and oncologists in Sydney and Brisbane.

In the last week of February, PCFA was delighted to assist with the launch by General Peter Cosgrove AC MC (Retd) of the third edition of Associate Professor Prem Rashid's Prostate cancer: Your Guide. The book, which was launched in partnership with Andrology Australia and the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ), aims to reduce lingering uncertainty about the disease, testing and treatment options and to help families cope with a diagnosis.

The first two months of 2010 also saw PCFA benefit yet again from the Commonwealth Bank’s Hitting Cancer for Six campaign where the bank donates $1,000 for every six hit in the 2010 cricket series, to be divided between PCFA and the Breast Cancer Institute of Australia. As the series draws to a close, over $49,000 has been raised from the matches against Pakistan and the West Indies. Since the Commonwealth Bank launched the fundraising program in 2006, more than $105,000 has been donated to each organisation – along with a fantastic increase in awareness.

With three such high profile events in the first two months, 2010 is shaping as a major year for PCFA – the highlight being our 2nd International Conference on 6–8 August.

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 – David Gregory Rotary – John Palmer State Chairmen – Tony Sonneveld (NSW), David Curtain, QC (VIC), Jim Freemantle (WA), Jim Hughes (QLD, SA, TAS) Independent Directors – Professor Dexter Dunphy AM, Anita Ziemer, Patricia Watson, Jim O’Ryan

David Gregory National Board Member David Gregory arrived in Sydney from Britain in 1965 and spent his career in various high-level sales roles in the food service industry. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999 he successfully underwent a radical prostatectomy in February 2000. A decade later, there has been no apparent recurrence of the disease.

After this life-changing experience, in 2001 David retired to Hobart, although he soon emerged from retirement to work at a friend’s food brokerage until 2008. He then decided to offer his services to the Cancer Council Tasmania, and in December 2008 he attended a conference of PCFA’s Victoria/Tasmania chapter.

Since then David has taken on the positions of convenor of the Hobart Support Group, Deputy Chair of the Victoria/Tasmania Chapter Council and Tasmania’s representative on the Support and Advocacy Committee (SAC).

I hope to see you there.

Andrew Giles

‘I’m passionate about PCFA because it never loses sight of the reasons for its existence, which are to support men suffering from prostate cancer and their families, to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds to further prostate cancer research,’ said David.

In January 2010 David was elected as SAC’s National Chair, which involves keeping communication lines open between PCFA’s support groups, state chapters and national board to ensure the needs of support groups are met.

‘The most rewarding thing about being involved in support groups is to see men come to their first meeting and realise they’re in a roomful of people who have gone down the same path and that there is support available to them,’ David said.

2 PROSTATENEWS

New Men’s e-Health Network

access the best and latest healthcare advice on the full range of men’s health issues, from drugs and alcohol and weight problems to prostate cancer and sexual health. Aside from information on health checks, exercise (including where to find local facilities), nutrition and mental wellbeing, there are exercise programs, self-organisation tools and a health assessment and health check log book, as well as opportunities to talk with other men who are doing the same thing.

‘Men know how important it is to service a car, to find problems before they cause damage. This works the same way.

With the log book you register your height, weight, whether you have gone for regular blood tests and other checks. The website tracks your progress. Importantly, it can also put you in touch with other men who are also trying to have better health and a better quality of life,’ said Professor Newton.

The main aim of the MEHN website is to get men to increase their activity levels, enjoy healthier diets, speak out about troubling issues and consult a healthcare professional when they need to. ‘The greatest advantage of an online resource like this is that it overcomes barriers like cost, opening hours, inconvenient locations, transport, as well as men who may be embarrassed or don’t like to be seen getting help. It’s especially helpful for men in rural areas who find it hard to get to a doctor or allied health professional.’

Men’s e-Health Network (MEHN), a unique, interactive Australian website which focuses specifically on men’s health issues, was launched in January to help Australian men find accurate health and lifestyle information and seek support when they need it.

The program has been developed by PCFA and the Vario Health Institute (VHI) at Edith Cowan University, through funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing ‘Healthy Active Australia’ Community Grant.

According to the Vario Health Institute’s Director, Professor Rob Newton, it’s not so much that Australian men are indifferent to their health, but that having medical check-ups is somehow, a sign of weakness. ‘They won’t go to see a doctor until they are fairly ill, and by then the consequences are often much worse,’ he said.

‘In this way, men’s health really lags behind women’s health.

Women pay attention to what is happening with their bodies and they have regular health checks – that’s how you notice when something has changed – and that’s one of the main reasons women live longer than men. Health problems can affect anyone, but early detection is essential for the best outcomes.’

Statistics show that around five male deaths every hour are preventable by making lifestyle changes. The new MEHN website aims to reduce this by making it easier for men to

The MEHN website will also help deliver new research into what impact online resources can have on men’s health. ‘The statistics we get from the website, which are made anonymous to protect the privacy of anyone who uses the site, will also tell us a great deal about how men use the site and how we can improve this service,’ said Professor Newton.

‘Even though it’s only been going since January, we’re really heartened by the rate of men signing up to use the service and by the way they are talking with other men online. In the end, if the men who use the MEHN website just go to their GP twice a year, that would be a great outcome.’

Visit www.mehn.org.au NB: Professor Rob Newton is a member of the PCFA Research Committee.

Men’s eHealth Network Get info here Register here to join the MEHN Community

Take charge of life

Funded by Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing Active Community Grant

PROSTATE NEWS 3

Exercise to ward off the blues Anyone who does regular exercise will be familiar with the stressrelieving benefits of a good workout. In recent decades, those instant mood-boosting endorphins from physical activity have been proven to have long-term advantages for mental health and wellbeing.

Depression is a common health problem that affects one in six people in Australia. It accounts for more days of lost productivity than any other illness – including cancer and heart disease – and can seriously affect the quality of a person’s life. Research shows that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing depression and improve low mood.

There is no single cause of depression and although certain people are more at risk of developing it (ie those with a family history of mental illness or people with a chronic illness), it can occur in any person at any time. The good news is, with effective treatments such as counselling and/or medication, most people recover. There is also strong research evidence that confirms the importance of exercise for the prevention of depression.

With beyondblue and the Rural Health Education Foundation, PCFA has produced an accredited education program for health professionals which will be broadcast on 18 May across the Rural Health Education Foundation’s satellite network of more than 660 sites. The one-hour program aims to assist health professionals to identify the links between depression and anxiety and prostate cancer and to provide information about how best to support families and carers of men with prostate cancer. It is also available via video web streaming and audio podcast at www.rhef.com.au.

For more information, visit www.rhef.com.au, www.beyondblue.org.au or www.prostate.org.au.

4 PROSTATENEWS

According to Doctor Nicole Highet, a psychologist and deputy CEO of beyondblue: the national depression initiative, ‘When people exercise, endorphins are released in the brain, which have a positive impact on lifting mood. In addition to improved mood, people who exercise reap the overall physical benefits, a sense of achievement and potential social benefits from meeting others at a gym or through sports or from exercising with friends – all of which play an important role in preventing depression.’

For more information, see ‘Keeping Active’ - Fact Sheet 8, at www.beyondblue.org.au or phone 1300 22 4636.

Quick facts • Regular aerobic and strength-training activities of light or moderate intensity can result in up to a 50% reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Jogging, weightlifting, walking, stationary cycling and resistance training (pushing or pulling weights with arms and legs) have all been found to be helpful in preventing or treating mild to moderate depression.

• In older people, regular exercise has been found to be as helpful as antidepressant medication or social contact in treating depression.

• The effects of physical exercise can help mental health in a number of other ways, including healthier sleep patterns, an increase in energy and increased social contact.

Movember strikes again!

Movember 2009 was a runaway success as men around the world gave their razors a rest and grew their moustaches to raise money and awareness to support men’s health. Now in its seventh year, Movember continues to encourage men to talk about their own health issues, while helping to further the vital work of PCFA and beyondblue in fighting prostate cancer and male depression.

In 2009 there were over 125,000 registered Movember participants in Australia, contributing to the amazing total of over 255,000 participants worldwide. During the month of November, Aussie ‘Mo Bros’ and the women who love them (also known as ‘Mo Sistas’) helped the cause by hosting Mo Town and Mo Office parties and encouraging their friends, families and colleagues to do their part. And as always, the celebrations concluded with huge Gala Parties in each Australian capital city, as Movember supporters came in droves to show off their wild costumes and innovative mo-growing efforts.

Movember’s success is largely due to its fun and inclusive approach to raising awareness. Many men take their health for granted and are often reluctant to talk about their health issues or seek medical advice on any problems they may be facing. And with over 18,000 Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and one in eight men experiencing depression during their lifetime, these issues are simply too serious to ignore.

‘One of the highlights of Movember 2009 for me was the inspirational effort of Paralympian Kurt Fearnley,’ said Luke Slattery, co-founder of Movember. ‘While sporting his Mo, Kurt

crawled the entire length of the Kokoda Track with friends and family alongside him. Not only did he raise a significant amount of money, but he also gave men’s health an unparalleled awareness boost and demonstrated what can be achieved when men help and look out for each other.’

In 2009 a number of Aussie celebrities gave their time – and their moustaches – to help the Movember cause. Cricket legends and Mo Mentors Max Walker and Dennis Lillee led the charge and encouraged sports stars from rugby league, AFL, A-League soccer, basketball and hockey to participate, while other highprofile supporters included V8 supercar driver Paul Dumbrell, surfer Tom Carroll, members of rock band Powderfinger, former Choirboys frontman Mark Gable, and Eric Ripper, Western Australia’s Leader of the Opposition.

‘We’re incredibly lucky with the support we receive from our ambassadors each year as they are invaluable in helping us to raise much needed awareness in the fields of business, music, sport, politics and the media,’ said Luke.

‘Everyone involved with Movember is really proud of what was achieved in 2009,’ Luke said. ‘The hundreds of emails and calls we received leave us in no doubt that Movember is helping to make a difference to lives. Men of all ages get involved each year and, alongside fathers, sons, brothers, colleagues and mates, are beginning to talk about and deal with their health in a more proactive way. Witnessing this change in behaviour each year is what Movember is most proud about and what we are determined to keep growing.’

PROSTATENEWS 5

Ambassadors speak to

30,000

people across Australia!

PCFA congratulates all the National Men’s Health Ambassador Speakers who have contributed to the stunning statistic of speaking to 30,000 men and women across Australia on prostate health and continence health awareness. The National Men’s Health Ambassador Speaker program is sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and has surpassed its target of reaching 19,200 people by June 2010.

Queensland National Men’s Health Ambassador Speaker, Trish Sorbello (centre) in a great community partnership with Breast Screen Queensland (Liz Preston left) and Queensland Bowel Cancer Screening (Robyn Nikolsky right), raising awareness of prostate, bowel and breast cancers at the Mackay Police Station.

Prostate cancer survivor, Queensland National Men’s Health Ambassador Speaker, Ross Gomersall is passionate about spreading the message of prostate health and continence health to all men in Australia.

Along with 10 other Aboriginal men, Mick Pittman, last year completed training to become a National Men’s Health Ambassador Speaker, along with his role as a NSW Aboriginal Liaison Officer for WorkCover. His personal experience with prostate cancer helps Mick to educate men about prostate health and continence health.

6 PROSTATENEWS

New Advanced Prostate Cancer Guidelines In line with National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Practice guidelines, we at PCFA believe that consumers should be informed progressively on all stages of advanced prostate cancer and the treatments appropriate for each stage, to allow us to be better informed about treatment options and to participate meaningfully in making choices that are right for us.

With the Australian Cancer Network (comprising more than 70 interest groups from basic science through medical and nursing care to public health), the Australian Prostate Cancer Collaboration and health care professionals, members of the Prostate Cancer Support Groups have worked to produce the new Advanced Prostate Cancer: a guide for men and their families. This supplements Localised Prostate Cancer: A guide for men and their families which was first released in 2001.

This very comprehensive publication is available online at www.pcfa.org.au. It will assist men and their families or carers who have an interest in understanding prostate cancer and its progression; treatment choices for locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer and making choices that maximise their quality of life. It is not meant for men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer.

Dr ‘Snuffy’ Myers speaks on advanced prostate cancer In January and February, Dr Charles ‘Snuffy’ Myers, one of the world’s leading oncologists and a prostate cancer survivor gave a series of talks on new treatment approaches for advanced prostate cancer.

Dr Myers was brought to Australia by PCFA and the St Vincent’s Prostate Cancer Centre to provide the Australian community with new insights in the field, including the importance of adapting and tailoring treatment options to suit each individual case of advanced prostate cancer to improve quality of life.

With over 250 research papers on cancer and other diseases to his name, Dr Myers has made substantial contributions to the development of new treatments for men living with prostate cancer of all stages. He opened the American Institute for Diseases of the Prostate in 2001 to provide men with comprehensive treatment of all stages of prostate cancer. Dr Myers is the Medical Director of the Institute which draws patients from all over the world. He is also President of the Foundation for Cancer Research and Education and editor of the Prostate Forum and has written several books on prostate cancer.

DVD copies of the seminar can be purchased through www.menshealthmatters.com.au

New Continence Aids Payment Scheme

Talk to someone who has been there

From 1 July 2010, the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing will introduce the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS). Under the new scheme, people with permanent and severe incontinence will receive an annual payment of up to $489.95 direct from Medicare Australia to meet some of the costs of their continence products. For information visit the Department’s Bladder Bowel Website www.bladderbowel.gov.au, email continence@health.gov.au or contact the Continence Aids and Assistance Scheme Policy Line on 1800 807 487. For continence information you can also call the free National Continence Helpline (1800 330 066) which is staffed by professional continence advisors who can provide information and referral advice to people affected by or caring for someone with bladder or bowel conditions.

Men with prostate cancer and their carers are needed now to join new telephone support groups. PCFA and beyondblue: the national depression initiative have funded the groups to be delivered by Cancer Council Victoria in partnership with MensLine Australia.

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men living in Australia, with an estimated 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year. With around two thirds of men experiencing urinary incontinence in the 12 months after prostate surgery and the risk of depression a concern, this new service gives people the opportunity to talk to others who understand the issues.

The confidential telephone groups are available for: - Men with advanced prostate cancer - Younger men diagnosed with prostate cancer

Bathurst ties up the town On 11 February Bathurst became an international PCFA focal point with a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest continuousness rope of neckties. This was the brainchild of Bathurst Councillors Bobby Burke and Ian Laws who planned to tie 13 thousand neckties together to go around Mount Panorama as an opener to the Bathurst 12 Hour Race (12-14 February), Australia’s longest and toughest track test of performance and production vehicles.

- Family and carers of men who are facing day-to-day life with the disease.

The groups will be delivered via teleconference (for the cost of a local call) and professionally facilitated by experienced health professionals. Six to eight participants will meet weekly for around an hour over a period of six weeks and can use a landline or mobile to participate.

Join a group today by calling 13 11 20 (Vic only) or 03 9635 5000 for interstate enquiries. Alternatively, email csg@cancervic.org.au

Neckties came in from across Australia, including many from PCFA support groups. The record was achieved with the assistance of more than 200 local community members and the support of Bathurst Council. PCFA was the official charity at the Bathurst 12 Hour Race, with a Men’s Health pitstop operating on the Saturday and the PCFA logo was carried on the Alan East MotorSports car, which came second on the day.

PROSTATE NEWS 7

Alan East and members of his pit team with Wendy Farrow.

Just by entering, you could

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Sunday 11 April 2010

Just

$20 to enter -

proceeds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

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Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

Fight a Fish to Fight Prostate Cancer

www.prostate.org.au

LG MajorOUR Prize Draw for full terms, conditions and licensing log onto pirtekfi shingchallenge.com.au and YOUR click on Terms and Conditions.

THANK YOUNissan TO/ ALL DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR GENEROUS SUPPORT

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT 15/12/09 5:53:46 PM THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT.

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I want to help find a cure for prostate cancer.

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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 8 PROSTATE Please mail to:NEWS PCFA PO Box 1332, Lane Cove NSW 1595

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